Summary and Suggestions

                                                       

 Purposes of Practicum

Aiming to provide pre-service student teachers from Southeast Asian institutions the chance to acquire teaching experiences (practicum) at schools throughout the region, the SEA-Teacher Project is an initiative with this goal. Additionally, it seeks to address the educational crisis that is plaguing Southeast Asia.

There were many obstacles that students had to overcome to get the quality education they deserved, but SEAMEO never stopped looking for ways to help students overcome these challenges. Although students from other countries have distinct characteristics, languages, cultures, and customs, the primary objective remains the same: to provide them with an excellent education.

Being a part of this program was a privilege, and the practicum met my expectations. It was an incredible opportunity for me to be a part of the student-teacher program and have a positive impact on the lives of so many international students. Students are the ones who will ultimately choose the kind of future they want for themselves, and education is the key to that future. Moreover, the individuals who joined this program, including SEAMEO, instructors, and student-teachers, played a crucial role in helping students achieve future success.

Procedures of Practicum

I completed just three procedures for the practicum. I started by completing the task of observing my assigned instructor. In addition, I analyze her methods of instruction, student interactions, and overall effectiveness to identify her areas of strength and improvement. The second thing I did was get an assistantship with a teacher, where I helped out with classroom management, student work, and grading. Finally, I had a final demonstration in which I not only taught the students but also put into practice all we had learned during our time as observed and assisted the teacher.

Outcomes of Practicum

The learners and I at CT Arsa Foundation Sukoharjo High School achieved remarkable results throughout the practicum. During my eleven (11) days at CT Arsa, I made several exciting discoveries. I learned a lot and shared what I experienced with my friends, family, and professors back home because of the wealth of knowledge and wisdom I received from them. Having them as part of my student-teacher journey has been an incredible gift; they welcome me with open arms and a heart overflowing with love. Their language, customs, and culture are full of vibrancy and vitality, and they were kind enough to teach me about them. They not only shared their language, customs, and culture with us, but they also offered us an unforgettable experience that will be with us forever, so saying goodbye felt more like welcoming a new beginning than an end.  

The Challenges of Practicum

Joining the SEA-Teacher Program was like navigating a treacherous landscape in search of a beautiful destination. One of the hardest things for me was leaving my home country and all of my loved ones behind. Their language was the second most important factor, as we were foreigners, and they had a lot. Thirdly, there is the culture and customs, which are distinct from our own and which we first fail to recognize. The dish came in at number four, and I wasn't sure how I would feel about it at first since I have a strong dislike for chili. In every case, I ask for chili-free meals. Finally, I had the opportunity to teach a diverse range of students, unlike my previous experience in the Philippines.

During my time in Indonesia, I was formed and challenged by these obstacles. Yes, it was a difficult road; you can expect to face many challenges; they may be emotional, financial, or physical. The result of your efforts in overcoming these obstacles, however, was an even more formidable foe. Memories, experiences, and friendships that will last a lifetime are all gifts I bestowed.

Overall Impression

The SEA-Teacher Program was a thrilling experience for me; I was terrified to attempt it, but I overcame my dread and am grateful for the chance to participate. This program allowed students to explore and appreciate the world around their beloved comfort zone, in addition to giving pre-service student teachers from Southeast Asian institutions the opportunity to gain teaching experiences (practicum) at schools throughout the region. Experiencing the enchantment of Indonesian culture and customs, indulging in exquisite cuisine, and acquiring another language was like unveiling a present to me. The look of awe and gratitude on the faces of my learners as I helped them with their studies and emotional well-being was a reward for all my hard work. In addition to influencing students all around Southeast Asia, the SEA-Teacher Program aimed to assist student-teachers in developing their full potential and becoming ready to deal with the far more complex and significant challenges that lay ahead.

Suggestions for Future Improvement

I believe that the SEA-Teacher Program may be greatly improved for the benefit of student-teachers. As a first step, provide them with additional specifics and make sure that the student-teachers research their assigned country's location, cuisine, customs, and language. It will be very difficult for them to integrate if they are not satisfied with their housing, thus it is important to either choose or require a receiving institution to provide better accommodations. Finally, reach out to them whenever you can. It could be that they're just lonely, but even just asking, "How are you?" can be a huge help for them.