PURPOSE OF PRACTICUM
My time at Lampang Rajabhat University was a transformative experience that deeply enriched my growth as a pre-service teacher and equipped me for my future career in education. I am profoundly thankful to the mentors and coordinators who guided and inspired me along this journey. Through their support, I was fortunate to engage in a wealth of learning opportunities, each contributing to my development. I was able to see the real purpose of this program as I had the chance to observe experienced educators in action, witnessing various teaching methods and classroom management techniques. Additionally, my practice in demonstration teaching in LPRU provided me with the opportunity to implement lesson plans that I created and be able to form a relationship with students on a personal level. All of this was a great experience for me to have a good head start to become a great teacher.
OUTCOMES OF PRACTICUM
I learned a great deal from my experiences and especially from the people who took care of us during our time in Thailand. I would like to express my gratitude to Miss Ying, Miss Joy, and all those who assisted me during my demonstration teaching, including Teacher Emma, Teacher Krufun, and Teacher Mai. The support they provided to me with valuable opportunities and experiences will have a lasting impact on me. Each interaction with them was a learning opportunity that opened my eyes to diverse approaches in education that will undoubtedly shape my approach to teaching, inspiring me to create a nurturing and meaningful learning environment for all my future students. I'm looking forward to taking everything I've learned back to the Philippines.
CHALLENGES OF PRACTICUM
During my time as a SEA-Teacher at LPRU, I certainly learned a great deal; however, I also realized that there are many areas where I need to improve and work on. One of the key lessons I took away is the importance of time management in ensuring everything runs smoothly. I found that starting ahead of time is crucial, especially as a teacher; prioritizing school-related responsibilities above all else is essential for creating a positive and effective learning environment and that is one important aspect that I must effectively manage, particularly as I look ahead to the future, is the balance between my commitments and personal time. It's crucial for my well-being and success that I navigate this challenge carefully.
This experience was particularly challenging for me, as it was my first time stepping into this role. I often felt overwhelmed by the challenges I faced, but I am grateful for the support of my mentor. This made me realize that flexibility and adaptability are essential qualities for a teacher, especially when working with students who do not share the same language. There are many unexpected challenges that can arise, which is why I believe I need to become more adaptable in the future. This adaptability will help me maintain momentum and adjust my plans when necessary, even if those adjustments were not initially part of my plan.
Additionally, while I am here to step out of my comfort zone and build confidence in teaching, I recognize the need to enhance my classroom presence. As I aspire to be a professional teacher, it's important for me to convey confidence and establish clear professional boundaries to foster healthy teacher-student relationships. I also aim to learn more about classroom management, particularly with younger students. I have found it difficult to be strict and often give in to students' requests, so improving my classroom management skills is a priority for me moving forward.
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