My Journal
SEA-Teacher Project Batch 9
SEA-Teacher Project Batch 9
in Bicol State College of Applied Science and Technology
Now, I still don't believe in things happening in my life. I mean the opportunity to participate in the SEA Teacher project batch 9. I am so grateful can get this opportunity. It will be a new and good experience for me to study and take a journey to another country. I will learn many things there, about education, culture, and many more. I will join this program with seven other friends from different majors. Two of us were placed in Far Eastern University, while I and five other friends were placed in Bicol State College of Applied Science and Technology. We have a different schedule. My departure is on 23 September 2023 at 09.15 AM. Actually, I feel various things, happy, and sad because I have to separate from my family, also nervous because this is my first flight. But, it's okay I will fight till the end and do my best. I want to say thank you for my lecture, my family, my friends, and all of the people who always support me. Thank you so much. I hope through this program I will be a better person and can have a positive impact on the field of education.
Let's Start
Let's Start
Finally, the day is coming, my departure will be on September 23 2023 at 09.15. I went with my five friends on an airplane. This was my first flying experience, and I hope to experience it again in the future. In the minutes before departure, the atmosphere turned emotional. The first time I had to be separated so far from my family. I will miss the warmth of my family, my mother's cooking, the boisterous voices of my siblings, and my father's advice. But on the other hand, I am also very happy because soon I will go to another country, the Philippines. I am very impatient and interested in learning the new language and culture. Before starting to enter the departure area and following every procedure, I took the time to take a photo with my family because of course, I would miss them.
the
Journey
the
Journey
My flight went smoothly and safely, even though I experienced turbulence several times on the Kuala Lumpur to Manila flight. Arriving at Manila International Airport, we were greeted by Sir Toni and Maam Ceecee who had been waiting for our arrival. They are lecturers from BISCAST who will accompany our trip to BISCAST in Naga City. We arrived at the airport quite late so we didn't immediately travel overland to Naga City. We stopped to stay at a Manila hotel for one night. Sir Toni and Maam Ceecee then introduced us to a typical Filipino crispy chicken product, namely Jollibee. The next day before continuing our journey to Naga City, Sir Toni and Maam Ceecee invited us to go to the Rizal Monument which is a symbol of fighting against colonialism. Apart from that, we were also invited to visit the National Museum of Natural History. We learned about the animals and plants in the Philippines, we also met Lolong, the largest captive crocodile ever recorded in the world. And it turns out we met SEA Teacher friends from the Indonesian Education University and Bengkulu University who are also running projects in the Philippines. After that we stopped by SM Mall of Asia (MoA), a shopping center in Manila, to buy a SIM card and look for lunch. We arrived in Naga City, precisely at BISCAST at around 2 pm. The journey was quite long, and tiring, however, very memorable and enjoyable.
Manila
City Tour
City Tour
On Monday, September 25, 2023, my fellow sea teachers from UNESA and I were invited to tour the city visiting historical places in Bicol. We were accompanied by two BISCAST lecturers, Sir Bok and Maam, who were very friendly and very well at explaining the stories behind the places we visited. We visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Penafrancia, Porta Marine, Plaza Quince Martires, and Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. I am very happy to be able to learn about the history, culture, and traditions of Bicol, Naga City, Philippines.
Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Basilica of Our Lady of Penafrancia
Plaza Quince Martires
Naga City
On Wednesday, September 26 2023 BISCAST invited me and my friends to attend a welcome ceremony which was attended by the President of BISCAST, Vice President of BISCAST, Dean of the Faculty of Education, lecturers, mentors, cooperating teachers, our friends, and some BISCAST students. We were warmly welcomed by the BISCAST residents, they were very kind. We were treated to a performance of traditional Filipino dances and songs performed by BISCAST students. My friends and I also took part in performing regional dances typical of Indonesia. They were very happy and appreciated our performance. This Welcome Ceremony is a welcoming activity as well as to introduce us to BISCAST residents as UNESA representatives who will carry out the SEA Teacher Project program at BISCAST for one month. The activity ended with a photo session with all the guests present.
Ceremony
BISCAST LAB HIGH SCHOOL
BISCAST LAB HIGH SCHOOL
Vision
An internationally-recognized smart university for transformative and innovative education
Mission
Produce technology-competent, environment-resilient, culture-sensitive, and industry-ready graduates who are socially responsive leaders imbued with character, work, and personal values through innovation management, transformative education, cutting-edge research, and industry-driven enterprise development.
School Profile
BISCAST Laboratory High School is a public school located in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines. The school has thirteen faculty members that chosen based on their qualifications and commendable expertise. There are four classrooms, two rooms for grade seven and two rooms for grade eight with forty-five students in each class. Students in this school are selected students who have passed the written test and interview test. That's why I see that the students at BISCAST Lab High School are very active in class, enthusiastic, and smart.
Academic Support System
Each classroom has television facilities that can be used to support learning activities. If needed, students can also borrow projectors that have been provided by the school. The thing I love about the classrooms at Lab High School is the windows. It's so big that it lets a lot of light in. This makes air circulation in the classroom good and can also save electricity. In addition to classrooms, the school is also equipped with counseling services, health services, bathrooms, reading rooms, and canteens. There is also a free drinking water filling facility. In the back garden, there is also a gazebos that students can use for outdoor learning activities. The Parents-Teacher Association (PTA) and the Alumni Association have an important role in academic support system at BISCAST Laboratory High School.
Teaching System
Student Organizations
Apart from learning activities, students can also take part in organizations at school such as the Supreme Students Government. On September 29, I had the opportunity to observe and attend student government election activities. Apart from that, students can take part in banduria for those who are interested and want to learn music, then there are also various types of sports. In fact, students can explore their abilities in music, art and sports in MAPEH subjects.
Teaching Methods
of the teacher that I observed
I made observations in grade 7 mathematics learning, namely in grade 7 Diamond and grade 7 Pearl. After making observations, I found that in classroom learning, the teacher used the student learning center. So that students play an active role during class learning. The teacher uses the question and answer method to facilitate students in constructing their own knowledge. The teacher also facilitating class discussion for students. After students discover the concept of the material they are studying, the teacher provides exercises to strengthen students' knowledge.
Learning materials and innovation
The learning materials provided by the teacher refer to the curriculum and books used. In learning mathematics in class, the teacher actually does not explain much of the material to students. The teacher invites students to construct their own knowledge by providing scaffolding in the form of questions that direct students to discover it. In learning mathematics, teachers provide a lot of practice because they try to provide a more meaningful learning experience for students. Teachers provide various innovative practice questions to students ranging from easy and simple to complex. The innovation provided by teachers can be seen from the scaffolding provided, because providing scaffolding that is appropriate to students' cognitive level and can direct students to discover their own knowledge is not easy, so innovation is needed it.
Sources of learning and technology
The learning sources used are printed books, one of which is a book from Ateneo de Naga University. In mathematics learning, teachers do not really use technology in learning. Maybe it's because the learning material is still relatively easy and is basic material so it can be taught manually. I also had the opportunity to conduct interviews with several students to ask about the use of technology in learning. I found that the use of technology in mathematics learning at BISCAST Laboratory High School is still rarely done. Students also think that in their opinion when learning Mathematics, they can easily understand the material even without technology. However, teachers use Google Classroom and group chat to facilitate coordination between teachers and students. This technology also makes it easier for teachers to share material or information with students, as well as provide assessments.
Authentic assessment
At each meeting, the teacher will give a quiz regarding what has been learned at the meeting. The teacher creates his own quiz questions according to the learning objectives that have been determined. I also see that the teacher always ensures that the sentences in the questions or commands made in the assessment can be understood by the students. After one material has been studied, the teacher will give a formative test to students. And at the end of each quarter there will be an exam.
Curriculum
The curriculum used at BISCAST Laboratory High School is a curriculum that refers to the Filipino K-12 curriculum. One year of learning is divided into four quarters.
Mathematics 1 (Grade 7)
rd
st
1 Quarter
3 Quarter
- Linear Inequalities in One Variable
- Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities in One Variable
- Polynomials
- Sets
- Real Number Systems
th
nd
4 Quarter
2 Quarter
- Special Products and Factoring
- Rational Algebraic Expressions
- Algebraic Expressions
- Open Sentences, Replacement Sets and Solution Set
- Linear Equation in One Variable
Mathematics 1 (Grade 7)
rd
st
1 Quarter
3 Quarter
- Solving Inequalities in One Variable
- Relations and Functions
- First Degree Polynomial Functions
- Linear Equations and Inequalities in Two Variable
- System of Linear Equations and Inequalities
th
nd
4 Quarter
2 Quarter
- Second Degree Polynomial Functions
- Absolute Value Function
- Radical and Complex Numbers
- Quadratic Equations
- Polynomial Equations
Teaching Plan
I had the opportunity to teach fractional material which is part of the topic of the Rational Number. Before making a lesson plan, I consulted with my mentor about the lesson plan template that I usually use in Indonesia. I found that the lesson plans used in Indonesia and the Philippines have different templates but the content is the same. There are material identity, content standards, performance standards, learning objectives, learning approaches, models, and methods, Learning materials, references, summary of tasks, and assessment.
Learning objectives must at least contain goals in terms of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor. Learning activities must contain activities that support the achievement of learning objectives. Likewise, learning assessment must be able to measure or assess students' cognitive, affective, and psychomotor abilities as written in the learning objectives. So that learning objectives, learning activities, and assessment are interconnected.
My lesson plan can be accessed via the barcode or klik botton
On this opportunity, I tried to integrate technology into the lesson plan. So that students can be more familiar with technology, feel the benefits of technology in learning activities, especially mathematics, and motivate students. And than i use contextual teaching and learning approach because I want the student can find that mathematics is near with their dairy life, and they find the reason why they have to learn that material, and it make the learning be meaningful for student.
Procedures of Teaching
After that, I started to get into the core activities, I used a problem-based learning model with a group discussion method. I divided the students into 9 groups with the number of members in each group being 5 students. Then each group is given a student worksheet containing problems related to the material that must be completed in groups and activities that students must take part in. I go around checking on each group, making sure the discussion is running smoothly, all members are participating, and helping students if there are problems. After that, group representatives will present the results of their discussion. Meanwhile, other groups provided responses and suggestions. Other groups are also free to provide their opinions if they have other methods or answers. Then I will provide feedback, reinforcing explanations that are correct and clarifying explanations that are inaccurate. After that, I give exercises to train students' understanding.
In the closing activity, I asked the students about the importance of studying the material at the meeting, then asked about the parts of the material that were easy for the students, the parts of the material that were difficult for the students, and the activities that the students liked most during the lesson. After that, I asked several students to convey conclusions from what they had learned today. After that I give homework to students, present the material that will be studied in the next meeting, and close the class.
In every learning activity, I try to integrate technology. I try to introduce students to geogebra, power points, and YouTube videos. The use of technology can help students to provide illustrations that can be easily accepted by students. because mathematics is basically abstract. Apart from that, the use of technology can increase student motivation in learning.
Time Management
and Organizing Activities
So that learning runs according to the specified time, I use the timer website on Google and then display it on the class television so that everyone can see the timer. I use a timer in student discussion activities so that students know when the activity must stop. Timers are also used when working on assignments or quizzes, and also during presentations. That way, learning activities can run on time and students can also learn to be disciplined with time.
Classroom Management
To keep class conditions conducive and learning run smoothly, I make class rules that are conveyed before learning begins. The rules are as follows, if a student has a problem, wants to ask a question, or feels confused, the student can raise their hand and express the problem. Apart from that, students are asked to focus and not use smartphones in class if they are not needed. So that students don't get bored and to keep students focused, I provide ice breakers in between lessons. Apart from that, I also apply a random picker in selecting students or groups who have to make presentations. That way, it is hoped that all students will focus and pay attention to the lesson well. Seating arrangements are also important in classroom management. Actually, my cooperating teacher has created a seating arrangement so that I can continue this to improve classroom management.
Problem Solving
When carrying out demo teaching, the first time I implemented group division in class, I divided the students into five groups so that each group consisted of nine students. This makes class conditions unconducive and makes it difficult to ensure that all group members participate actively. To overcome this, in the next implementation, I divided the students in the class into nine groups, each group having five members. I found that this implementation had a good impact so that the class became more conducive and all students could participate.
Apart from that, during the lesson, I once had a technical problem regarding the television and laptop cable connection being disconnected and not being able to be reconnected even though I had to show the material to the students via television. Because learning must continue, and I don't want students' learning time to be wasted, I turn my laptop so that the screen is facing the students. After that, I continued the material by displaying it via laptop. I combine displaying the material on a laptop and writing on the board so that all students can still get the material.
In the mathematics lesson that I designed, I started the class by posing a problem related to the material to students. I assume students can always provide solutions to these problems and then I can direct them to the material to be studied. However, sometimes students are not immediately able to understand and provide solutions to these problems. When that happens, I give examples of simpler problems that students can understand more easily. So when students can answer these problems, this will provide guidance and direct students to find solutions to more complex problems.
Purposes of Practicum
Every decision certainly has a purpose, as did my participation in the SEA Teacher Batch 9 program. My goal in joining the SEA Teacher Batch 9 program is to learn about the education and learning system in the Philippines, especially in Mathematics subjects. So I can compare it with the learning system in Indonesia and then apply learning methods or other things that suit conditions in Indonesia. Within a month, although I have not studied the entire education and learning system in the Philippines in detail, I have gained a lot of new knowledge about this matter. I learned about the curriculum used, learning methods, study time, what subjects are given, classroom management, assessment, and how to make a lesson plan.
Apart from education, I also want to learn about the culture and language in the Philippines, especially in Naga City, as well as share about Indonesian culture and language. So we can learn from each other. While I was running the SEA Teacher project in the Philippines, I learned a lot about the culture in the Philippines, the historical places there, and the language. I and all my friends were even given the opportunity to learn one of the Filipino regional dances and perform it at the closing ceremony. Vice versa, my friends from Indonesia and I taught friends from the Philippines to dance Indonesian regional dances. Apart from that, I also learned that there are many languages in the Philippines as well as regional languages in Indonesia. I learned Tagalog and then also Bicol. The people in the Philippines, especially in the BISCAST environment, are very friendly, we share and learn our respective languages. In fact, I also learned a lot of Filipino from students at BISCAST Laboratory High School. And they are also very enthusiastic about learning Indonesian, they even immediately apply what they learn, such as saying good morning and thank you in Indonesia language.
Then, what is no less important for me is that I want to improve my English skill. Participating in the SEA Teacher Project made me inevitably have to use English to communicate. A month of using English has had a positive impact on me. I became braver and more confident in speaking English, I also learned a lot of new vocabulary.
Procedures of practicum
Observation
Before carrying out demo teaching, in the first week I need to make observations to find out the condition of the school, school management, learning system and student characteristics. Apart from that, I carry out observations in class to learn how the teacher teaches in class, how the teacher manages the class, and provides assessments so that I get an idea of the learning plan that I will make. Apart from observations, I also conducted interviews with a number of students and my cooperating teacher.
Teaching assistance
Demo Teaching
In the second week, we carried out teaching assistance such as helping teachers with classroom learning. Apart from teaching assistance, in the second week I had the opportunity to start carrying out teaching demonstrations.
In the third week, I continued the demo teaching activities. I had the opportunity to teach mathematics in grade 7, in two classes, namely grade 7 Diamond and 7 Pearl. Before teaching, I need to submit a lesson plan that has been approved by the mentor and cooperating teacher. In preparing the lesson plan, consult with my cooperating teacher and my mentor so that learning activities can be planned well. Then after carrying out demo teaching, I also carried out consultations again to get suggestions so that I could continue to improve my teaching activities.
Evaluation
The fourth week is the evaluation stage to evaluate our demo teaching practice and other part of this program. The evaluation was carried out to determine the strengths and weaknesses of my teaching practice. So I can know what things I need to maintain and what things I need to improve to become even better.
Outcomes of practicum
Through the SEA Teacher program, I gained a lot of new knowledge and experience. Not only that, I got new friends and new family who always support me. From this practicum, I learned how to know the characteristics of each student and how to treat students with various characteristics. I gained experience doing teaching practice in real classroom situations, encountering unexpected problems in the classroom, and learning to overcome them. I learned about the curriculum in the Philippines, the education system, and the learning system there. I also learned a lot about mathematics learning, learning methods that can be used, how to manage classes, how to create learning objectives, how to plan learning activities so that these objectives can be achieved, and how to carry out good and correct assessments. I was very happy when I found that the students at BISCAST Laboratory High School were so enthusiastic about learning and actively participating in class.
Apart from that, I learned a lot about Filipino culture and language. I learned about historical places in the Philippines, especially in Naga City. I also learned a lot about languages in the Philippines, learning to pronounce basic vocabulary in Tagalog and Bicol such as Magandang Umaga, Magandang Hapon, Kamusta ka, mahal kita, and many others. I found that many words have the same pronunciation and meaning as Indonesian, such as mahal (expensive), mura (cheap), and payong (umbrella). Then, I also had the opportunity to learn to dance traditional Filipino dances, learn to cook typical Filipino food, namely chicken adobo, and learn to bake cookies. I plan to try to put into practice what I have learned while in Indonesia.
I felt many positive impacts from this program, one of which was improving my English communication skills. I became braver and more confident in communicating in English, and I also gained a lot of new vocabulary. I also learned to adapt to new environments and socialize with new people. I am very grateful because the residents of BISCAST are very friendly, I don't feel like a stranger there, but instead feel like I have a new, wonderful family.
The challenges of practicum
While implementing the program, I encountered challenges that I had to face. Among these challenges is the number of students. The large number of students in each class with various characters is a challenge for me. I learned to be able to organize the class well so that it remains conducive, I learned to regulate my voice so that it can be heard by all students, and ensure that the learning needs of all students can be met.
Apart from that, I found that the accent in English between Filipinos and Indonesians is slightly different. Sometimes it is a little difficult for me to understand the meaning of some of the words that students say in class, and vice versa, sometimes they don't understand the meaning of the words that I say because of the difference in pronunciation. However, as time went by, I started to learn how to pronounce them so that we could understand each other and communicate well.
Another challenge is regarding prayer times and halal food. Because the area where I do my practicum has a majority of Christian residents, I rarely find mosques. I couldn't find the
sound of the call to prayer being said in mosques like in Indonesia. This means that sometimes I don't realize that it's prayer time, even though I've set an alarm on the smartphone application. Apart from that, it is difficult to find halal food with a variety of menus. However, I am very grateful because we were given cooking facilities so that we could make our own food and ensure that the food was halal. Even so, I felt comfortable and could enjoy every day I was in the Philippines because I found the people there to be very supportive and positive.
Overall impression
Overall, I am very happy to have had the opportunity to take part in the SEA Teacher Project Batch 9. I am very grateful because, among many places, God placed me at Bicol State College of Applied Science and Technology (BISCAST). BISCAST has very good hospitality, the people are very kind, care, respect each other, support each other, and have a
positive environment. Before leaving for the Philippines, I was so worried, about whether I could adapt there, whether I could feel at home there, what the environment would be like there, and whether I could survive for a month there. Lots of questions in my head.
However, after I went there, carried out this program, and felt how well they treated me and my friends from Indonesia, I actually felt that one month was a very short time. I want to extend my time here, there are still many things I want to learn, there are still many foods I want to taste, there are still many places I want to visit, and there is still a lot of time I want to spend with them. I not only did teaching practice but also learned a lot and gained new knowledge. This will be my best experience that I will never forget.
Thank you SEAMEO for giving me the opportunity to have a very memorable learning experience through the SEA Teacher Project. I learned a lot about education, especially mathematics education, learning new cultures, learning new languages, and learning good life values. Hopefully from this experience, I can apply what I have learned and have a positive impact on the environment around me, especially in the education sector.
Memories
Suggestions
In my opinion, the design of the SEA Teacher program is very good. The activity timeline provided allowed me to learn a lot even in a short time. If the time given is increased, perhaps more knowledge can be learned and experience gained. Apart from that, I hope that SEA Teacher can provide a platform for all participants and alumni of the SEA Teacher program to get to know each other and share experiences. This can also continue to become a community which then creates activities that have a positive impact on education as a form of dedication from SEA Teacher participants.
Syarifa
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Syarifatul Karomah