TEACHING JOURNAL - WEEK 12

As future educator, it is important for me to develop my proficiency in many aspects, such as knowledge about my major subject, various language skills as well as the life skills and to widen my experiences through the exposures in the journey as a teacher trainee. By going through the 3 phases of teaching practice, it helps me to widen my perspectives in viewing the ‘real teaching world’.

In this third teaching practice in SK Green Road, I had encountered various types of real situations in teaching world which some I never expect at all. I admit that there were days where things were just so challenging and I did feel like giving up. However, through every hurdle I managed to see the positive sides of things that were happening with the guidance given by the people around me. I believe that teaching is not easy yet I come to see that life as a teacher is a blessed one. A teacher has the power to carry some impacts especially to the young souls as well as to touch the life of others along the way.

As human, it is normal to have all the negative feelings and to experience the meltdown points. Most importantly is not to give up easily in every obstacle encountered. To be a future educator, I need to learn to be a ‘multitask person’ as teacher job is not just to teach but stretch beyond that: a manager, a recorder, a facilitator, a mediator, a coach and the list goes on. Thus, it is very essential for me to always be mentally, emotionally and physically prepared for all the things that I will be experiencing in this journey as future educator.

As I am still at the inexperience level, I admit that it was quite hard for me to cope with things around especially in managing the class and ensuring that ‘real and meaningful learning’ is taking place. I feel that it is important for teacher to develop a positive teacher-student relationship in order to create more motivating and fun learning environment. When a teacher manages to be like one, the same positive vibe will be reflected among the pupils too; that they may treat each other well too.

I have learnt that making mistake is part of the learning process. There were days when I feel that the activities conducted were quite boring, not that interactive and too far beyond the pupils’ level of proficiency. Yet, from that I learn so many things which help me to conduct more suitable and appropriate teaching and learning activities in the class.

I come to realize that the most important thing is the real intention to teach. It is not just for the sake of imparting knowledge or completing the job as a teacher but also to develop the personality sides of the pupils. A teacher is to teach and inspire young souls to become a competence individual in every aspect and also to be a ‘wise man’ in making decision in the future.

I am thankful to have wonderful mentor and lecturer who always guide me through this phase of practicum. Indeed, both of them are very experienced, supportive and dedicated! The staffs and teachers are also very cooperative and willing to lend helps at any time. The relationships fostered through the stories shared on their teaching experience inspire me in so many ways. I salute their dedication and commitment in the teaching field. They are indeed great role models. Not to forget my awesome practicum mates and course mates (PISMP TESL January 2011) for the brilliant teaching ideas shared and random jokes cracked which make each day full of happiness despite of all the workloads.

In this phase of practicum I am taking two classes; Year 4 Tun Hussein (English class) and Year 4 Tun Abdullah (PSV class). Honestly, there were days when things get so challenging; experiencing the unstable emotions, questioning the capability as a teacher, and everything that comes together in between. Yet, the moments shared with the pupils always make everything worth and it means a lot to me. Those little souls teach me how to view things differently, to be happy without reason, to be spirit-filled and energetic all the time and to appreciate every single little thing in life. Being with them for three months is only a small part of time spent in their life, but I hope the moments shared, the happiness sparked, the tears shed, and the lesson learnt will carry impacts that will last for a lifetime. I hope nothing but for each and every one of them to be great individuals someday!

Again, thank you so much to SK Green Road for this opportunity to be part of the ‘Greenians’ community. The time spent, the lesson learnt, and the memories made will be treasured in my heart forever! It is true that though the challenges were so great at times, one could discover the joy in teaching if his or her heart to teach is at the right purpose. With all my heart, I believe that this journey as Future Educator is a worth one and the ‘call’ to be a teacher is part of the blessings in my life!