Summary and Suggestions

Teaching Practice Goals

The SEA-Teacher Pilot Project aims to provide pre-service teachers from Southeast Asian universities with the opportunity to gain teaching experience in different countries within the region. The program is designed to help future teachers develop teaching and pedagogical skills, improve English proficiency, and expand their global perspectives. Additionally, participants are introduced to diverse teaching environments and challenges, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in education.

Through SEA-Teacher Pilot Project Batch 4, I had the opportunity to teach abroad, experience global competency-based learning, and improve my ability to interact and build relationships with students and lecturers from different countries. This program not only enriched my cross-cultural understanding but also prepared me for the challenges of international education.

Teaching Practice Procedures

The teaching practice process began with classroom observations in the first week. During this phase, I had the chance to understand students' characteristics, classroom atmosphere, and teaching methods used by the teachers while also getting to know the students. While observing, I also prepared lesson plans under the guidance of my advisor. Once the lesson plans were completed, my advisor provided feedback and suggestions to refine them. This discussion process was conducted in several stages until the lesson plan was fully prepared for implementation.

After the observation and lesson planning stages, I started teaching in the observed classes. During the teaching sessions, my advisor acted as an observer along with subject teachers to assess and provide feedback. After each teaching session, I reflected with my advisor to evaluate the lesson and improve my teaching for future sessions.

Additionally, the weekly reports organized by the university required participants to document and report their activities throughout the week. This process helped track participants' progress and ensured that the program was running effectively while providing maximum benefits to all participants.

Challenges During the Teaching Practice

One of the main challenges I faced during this program was the difference in lesson duration compared to Indonesia. This required me to adjust my lesson plans to fit the given time frame. At the beginning of my teaching sessions, I also felt quite nervous, as this was my first real teaching experience. However, as the sessions progressed, I gradually adapted and became more relaxed and confident.

Another challenge was the language barrier. Since English is not the primary language for me, the students, or the teachers, there were some communication difficulties. However, we made sure to clarify instructions and engage in open discussions to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that the learning process ran smoothly.

Overall Experience

The SEA-Teacher Pilot Project Batch 4 provided me with a valuable experience in developing teaching skills, improving English proficiency, and understanding Thailand's education system, especially at Demonstration School Mo Din Daeng.

Throughout the one-month program, I not only gained academic insights but also expanded my cultural perspective by learning about local customs, traditions, and Thailand's social system. My interactions with students, teachers, and the local community allowed me to understand important cultural values such as kindness, discipline, and respect for teachers, which are highly valued in Thai society.

The supportive school environment, positive energy from fellow delegates, and assistance from the university made this teaching experience more than just a formal requirement. This program became a platform for building strong and positive relationships, both academically and socially.

Moreover, my teaching experience in Grade 10 on the topic of Gravity presented a unique challenge in adapting teaching strategies to fit the students' needs. I also learned to be more flexible in dealing with cultural differences, both in teaching methods and daily life.

With the program now completed, I hope to apply the lessons and experiences I have gained to enhance my personal and professional development as a future educator. This program is also a strategic step in improving education quality by promoting cross-country collaboration and strengthening the importance of flexibility, innovation, and cultural diversity in education.

Suggestions for Future Improvements

For future participants, I recommend that they be given at least one month of preparation before departure to ensure they are fully ready for the program. Additionally, the travel schedule should be confirmed at least one month in advance to avoid flight ticket price increases and ensure a smooth travel experience.

During the pre-departure training sessions, it would be beneficial to include microteaching practice with feedback from lecturers based on each participant’s field of expertise. This would help participants strengthen their teaching skills before entering the classroom. Furthermore, all information related to the program should be delivered in a well-structured manner and not at the last minute, so that participants can prepare themselves better and fully optimize their experience in the program.