Teaching Practice
1.1 Procedures of Teaching
This is the most exciting part for me, as I finally get to teach the students, something I am truly passionate about. Since I am teaching science, my topic is Classification of Living Things. The textbook was in Indonesian, so I translated it into English before creating my lesson plan. The school recommended that we use our own lesson plan format, as the Indonesian format can be quite complex. To ensure an engaging lesson, I designed clear objectives that would encourage student participation. I also incorporated teaching techniques and strategies that I used in the Philippines, such as setting classroom rules, starting with a prayer, reviewing the previous lesson, and using a motivation activity before introducing the new topic.
I applied my creativity by making learning materials and visual aids using manila paper and colored paper to enhance my discussion and make it more interesting. During the lesson, I was thrilled to see my students actively participating, raising their hands to answer questions, and listening attentively. Their enthusiasm reassured me that they were truly engaged and learning. Being a science teacher is absolutely fulfilling because it allows me to connect lessons to real-life situations, making learning more meaningful for my students. Seeing their excitement and eagerness to learn made this teaching experience even more rewarding.
Another exciting part of my teaching practice at SMP Muhammadiyah 5 Surakarta is managing my time effectively while preparing lesson plans, teaching materials, PowerPoint presentations, and practicing before the actual teaching. I admit that balancing these tasks can be challenging, but I make sure to manage my time wisely. The school day begins with a morning prayer at around 7:30 AM, followed by class hours, which run until 3:00 or 3:30 PM, after the afternoon prayer. The students’ schedule is well-structured, giving them ample free time for self-study and other activities.
My teaching practice usually takes place on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. We arrive at school early to prepare ourselves for the lessons. In my case, I spend my mornings in the library, where I continue refining my PowerPoint presentation and practicing the flow of my discussion. This ensures that my lesson is well-organized and engaging, allowing my students to learn effectively from me.
1.3 Classroom Management
Classroom management is essential both before and after the discussion. It is important to ensure that students are focused on the teacher while speaking and are listening attentively. Before starting the class, I instructed them to pick up any pieces of paper or trash around them before taking their seats so they could feel more comfortable during the lesson. During my discussion, I made sure to keep the students’ attention on me. In any classroom, it is common for some students to get distracted and talk to their seatmates. However, as a teacher, I always reminded them to listen and stay focused. I also asked questions like, "Did you get it?" or "Do you understand?" to check their comprehension and keep them engaged. Hearing them respond "Yes" made me feel confident that they were following along.
When some students were not paying attention, I used techniques to regain their focus. For example, I asked them to stand up and sit down three times or clap their hands three times to ensure they were still with me. I was happy to see that they followed my instructions, showing that their attention was back on the lesson. In addition to these strategies, I designed activities that encouraged student participation and collaboration with their classmates. The results were just as I had hoped, my students were very active and engaged throughout the lesson.
1.4 Problem-Solving within the Assigned School
One of my biggest challenges was the language barrier. My students had difficulty expressing themselves in English, which made communication challenging. While some students could understand what I was saying, they struggled to express their answers in English. To support them, I did my best by creating a PowerPoint presentation that included both English and Indonesian words to help them understand the lesson better.
During my teaching practice, I discovered something even more powerful. Language is never a barrier when you teach with passion. If you love teaching, language is not an obstacle. I am proud to say that I made it! My students looked at me with bright smiles and said, "Mister Nom, your class is fun! We love learning with you!" My heart overflowed with joy upon hearing these words. Every challenge, every effort, and every step of the journey was worth it. In that classroom, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
To anyone starting a new journey, trust yourself. Every challenge is a stepping stone to something wonderful. Keep going, keep believing, and soon, you will realize that you are never lost, you are simply on the path to where you truly belong.
Comments
Post a Comment