6. Summary and Suggestions

6.1 Purposes of Practicum

The objectives of the SEATeacher Project are aimed to develop the teaching skills and pedagogy, to practice English skills, to gain a broader and regional view, and to expose pre-service teachers to diverse teaching and learning situations and opportunities, and the value of flexibility.

In line with this, our practicum enabled us to develop a variety strategies, techniques and approaches that would accommodate and suffice the learning needs of the students. We were also able to improve our English skills since the English language was our medium of communication and instruction. The constant usage of the English language enabled us to become more proficient.

The language barrier, curriculum, facilities, and resources, that were available were somehow different from my home country. These aspects challenged and required me to become resourceful and to become innovative.

Our practicum also exposed us to a culture, which is different from our own. It exposed us to a variety of cultures and traditions, allowing us to explore the horizons and come to an understanding that no culture is entirely the same, that we must embrace the diversity and to understand that no culture is inferior to the other.

Our practicum was geared on the holistic development of pre-service teachers who are globally competitive.

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6.2 Procedures of Practicum

The practicum experience provided us a step by step process in which we were able to closely observe and immerse ourselves to the teaching-learning process of our host schools.

Our practicum experience began with an orientation about our host schools. We were oriented regarding the grade levels (in our case, we were placed in Lower Secondary Level, which they call Matthayomsuksa 1,2, and 3), the students, the teachers, and the facilities of the school.

On our first week, I observed my Cooperating Teacher on her teaching-learning process inside the classroom. I studied how she interacted, motivated,and taught the students. On the second week, I assisted her in her motivational activities and in her power point presentation.

On the third week, I was the one who taught the students regarding Asian Geography. I taught 7 classes in total: 2 classes from Matthayomsuksa 1 and 5 classes from Matthayomsuksa 2.

The last week was our "Reflection Week" in which we reflected on the learnings that we have accumulated for the past three weeks of our practicum.

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6.3 Outcomes of Practicum

My practicum in Satri Rachinuthit School, Udon Thani, Thailand changed me in ways I have never imagined. My one month practicum in Thailand opened my eyes to the teaching reality. I have arrived at a conclusion that our expectations does not always meet reality.

When I first came to Thailand, I was quite confident that my current knowledge about teaching strategies and the skills that I use in my country will also be applicable with my practicum school in Thailand. I was wrong.

The students speak another language and the curriculum of the school was quite different from what I was used to. These posed as a huge challenge to me. Nonetheless, with the help of my Cooperating Teacher as well as the other staffs of Satri Rachinuthit I was able to overcome it and was able to develop strategies that were suitable for my Thai students.

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6.4 The Challenges of Practicum

During my practicum, I have only experienced 2 challenges.

The first one was the language barrier. Not all Thai people can understand English. This posed as a great challenge since the only medium of instruction and communication that I could use was the English language. Some teachers and students can understand English but not to a great extent. In order to adapt and to adjust with the situation, I always place Thai translations in my power point presentation. I also use words and phrases that were easy to understand. Other than that, I always ask my students if they understand the concepts, otherwise I have to explain it to a more comprehensible manner.

The second one was the lack of English resources. The books that they utilized were written in Thai language. Due to this, I had to resort to the internet for English references.

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6.5 Overall Impression

For my overall impression, I give the SEATeacher Project a 100% rating. My practicum in Thailand is a memorable experience that I will cherish until the end of time.

I was able to explore the educational system of Thailand and saw how advance the educational system is. Based on how available the facilities are, I saw how education is being valued and given importance to. I was also exposed to the culture and traditions of the people and was able to explore how beautiful Thailand truly is.

SEATeacher Project had given me a chance to interact with people from different nations, different religions, and different way of life. SEATeacher Project had given me a chance to develop not only my cognitive and skills, but also to develop compassion and tolerance to every people and culture.

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6.6 Suggestions for Future Improvement

There are only two suggestions that I could give.

1. The SEATeacher Project must consider making the program last for one semester.

2. The SEATeacher Project must also invite participants from other Southeast Asian countries.