My Learning and Teaching Journey
Read more on my 3-week journey of learning and growth in Indonesia, as I connect with inspiring students and collaborate with talented teachers.
My first week was a whirlwind of learning! I spent time observing students in the classroom, paying close attention to how they absorbed information, their preferred learning styles, and their areas of strength and areas for improvement. I also had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with teachers about their teaching approaches, the curriculum, and effective teaching strategies. This week has been a rewarding experience, filled with valuable insights and enjoyable interactions.
Unexpectedly, my visits to the library often led to engaging encounters with students. They were incredibly curious about me and my life in the Philippines. These interactions sparked lively discussions about our respective cultures, allowing me to share my own experiences and learn about their unique cultural backgrounds. These valuable exchanges have not only broadened my own cultural awareness but also provided me with valuable insights that I can now incorporate into my teaching methods, making my lessons more relevant and engaging for my students.
My second week was filled with engaging classroom observations and opportunities to assist my assigned teacher. My responsibilities included assisting with student test grading, providing solutions to math problems, and organizing classroom materials. I found these experiences both rewarding and enjoyable, particularly the opportunity to interact with my teacher and learn from their expertise.
My first final demonstration involved teaching Grade 8 Mindfulness students about the Properties of 3D Shapes. Through firsthand teaching experience, I realized the significant impact of visual aids in conveying complex concepts. To enhance student learning, I creatively repurposed used boxes to construct various 3D shapes. I further enriched the learning experience by incorporating a captivating song video related to 3D shapes. To motivate and reward student participation, I offered small candies and words of encouragement to those who provided correct answers or actively engaged in class discussions. I firmly believe that creating an engaging and interactive learning environment is crucial for fostering long-term student learning and making a lasting impact.
For my second final demonstration, I taught Grade 10 Mindfulness students how to calculate the perimeter and area of circles, quadrants, and semicircles. To enhance student understanding, I integrated real-life applications into the math problems, emphasizing the practical relevance of these concepts. I fostered a collaborative learning environment by implementing a group-based approach, encouraging students to discuss and justify their solutions with their peers. To further incentivize participation, I provided small rewards and snacks to acknowledge and appreciate their active engagement in the learning process.