My Practical Training Journal: Week 3
Sunday, August 21, 2011 9:55 am
Week 3
24 July 2011 – 28 July 2011
I had quite a bad week this week. I was implementing my first trial of teaching and learning activities to my classes. I had no problem with Year 5B for Science subject. They have been behaving very well in the classroom. I do not have to yell or shout to control the class. So far, they behaved well. In fact, I can give challenging activities and questions to them. Most of them are capable of performing challenging tasks. Only a very few of them are having problems in performing those tasks as fast as others. I do not see that as a major problem. Perhaps I need to focus on them in person more than the others. I might need to approach them and guide them to perform the tasks that seem difficult for them.
On Monday, I asked the pupils of Year 4B to enter the computer lab for English teaching and learning activities. I have prepared some slides from Microsoft Power Point for shared reading, vocabulary, and picture labelling. The topic was “Living In Harmony” which was about family, friendship, and neighbourhood. My class control failed.
The pupils were touching, playing, and pushing the computer and the other hardware and gadgets. Some of them were also playing with the spinning chairs. Some of them walked and even ran around the lab. Most of them did not pay their attention to my lesson. Most of them were talking with each other. Some of the boys were standing on the chairs.
At first, I cursed them from deep in my heart. I blamed them for not giving cooperation to me during my lesson. But then, after discussing the matter with Ms. Lim when she observed Shahera and me on Wednesday, I have to admit that it was all my fault, ignorance, and weaknesses. I was advised by her to create a teaching and learning activity that is more attractive and involving all of the pupils.
According to Ms. Lim, my teaching and learning activities are all teacher-based activities. I was still considered as a classic and conventional teacher who used the chalk and talk method. Ms. Lim has given me some tips and recommendation on how to improve my lesson to more interesting and attractive ways.
For instance, one of my thousand weaknesses was using a lot of Malay words in my English class. As a very novice teacher, I thought that that was the only way for me to explain new vocabularies to my pupils. Sometimes, they do not even understand simple instructions given by me and I ended up explaining it to them in Malay version. I did that during Ms. Lim’s observation and she was very concern about that matter.
Ms. Lim has given me a very useful suggestion regarding that matter. If I was going to teach my pupils with new vocabularies and I could not explain them in English, I could use pictures as my teaching aids. Pupils are very attracted with pictures and colours. It could be very helpful in gaining their attention and to make them clear with the new vocabularies as well. Other than that, I can use realia or using the pupils to explain the new vocabularies.
For instance, during Ms. Lim’s observation, I was trying to explain the difference of shirt and T-shirt to the students. I was just using explanation with words. Ms. Lim said, I could call upon pupils who actually wore those clothes during the class. I could call a boy who was wearing a school uniform to explain them the meaning of shirt and a boy who was wearing a white T-shirt to explain the meaning of T-shirt, and at the same time I could easily show them the differences of those clothes.
During Ms. Lim’s observation as well, an unexpected incident happened. An announcement was made for Year 4 pupils to go to the assembly site to collect 1Malaysia chocolate milk. The announcement was not even finished, and all of my pupils sprinted out of the class to the assembly site. I was surprised with their dash and could not do anything to stop them. Ms. Lim and Shahera also were in shock with the incident. Ms. Lim told me to have them advised, warned, punished and reprimanded for their behaviour. I did. I was grateful that the pupils admitted their mishaps and apologized to me.
After the observation session, Shahera and I discussed quite a lot of things with Ms. Lim regarding our progress and performance in our classes. She has given us a lot of tips, ideas and suggestions on how to manage our class better. I believe I can improve myself by being more analytical and creative in the future.
24 July 2011 – 28 July 2011
I had quite a bad week this week. I was implementing my first trial of teaching and learning activities to my classes. I had no problem with Year 5B for Science subject. They have been behaving very well in the classroom. I do not have to yell or shout to control the class. So far, they behaved well. In fact, I can give challenging activities and questions to them. Most of them are capable of performing challenging tasks. Only a very few of them are having problems in performing those tasks as fast as others. I do not see that as a major problem. Perhaps I need to focus on them in person more than the others. I might need to approach them and guide them to perform the tasks that seem difficult for them.
On Monday, I asked the pupils of Year 4B to enter the computer lab for English teaching and learning activities. I have prepared some slides from Microsoft Power Point for shared reading, vocabulary, and picture labelling. The topic was “Living In Harmony” which was about family, friendship, and neighbourhood. My class control failed.
The pupils were touching, playing, and pushing the computer and the other hardware and gadgets. Some of them were also playing with the spinning chairs. Some of them walked and even ran around the lab. Most of them did not pay their attention to my lesson. Most of them were talking with each other. Some of the boys were standing on the chairs.
At first, I cursed them from deep in my heart. I blamed them for not giving cooperation to me during my lesson. But then, after discussing the matter with Ms. Lim when she observed Shahera and me on Wednesday, I have to admit that it was all my fault, ignorance, and weaknesses. I was advised by her to create a teaching and learning activity that is more attractive and involving all of the pupils.
According to Ms. Lim, my teaching and learning activities are all teacher-based activities. I was still considered as a classic and conventional teacher who used the chalk and talk method. Ms. Lim has given me some tips and recommendation on how to improve my lesson to more interesting and attractive ways.
For instance, one of my thousand weaknesses was using a lot of Malay words in my English class. As a very novice teacher, I thought that that was the only way for me to explain new vocabularies to my pupils. Sometimes, they do not even understand simple instructions given by me and I ended up explaining it to them in Malay version. I did that during Ms. Lim’s observation and she was very concern about that matter.
Ms. Lim has given me a very useful suggestion regarding that matter. If I was going to teach my pupils with new vocabularies and I could not explain them in English, I could use pictures as my teaching aids. Pupils are very attracted with pictures and colours. It could be very helpful in gaining their attention and to make them clear with the new vocabularies as well. Other than that, I can use realia or using the pupils to explain the new vocabularies.
For instance, during Ms. Lim’s observation, I was trying to explain the difference of shirt and T-shirt to the students. I was just using explanation with words. Ms. Lim said, I could call upon pupils who actually wore those clothes during the class. I could call a boy who was wearing a school uniform to explain them the meaning of shirt and a boy who was wearing a white T-shirt to explain the meaning of T-shirt, and at the same time I could easily show them the differences of those clothes.
During Ms. Lim’s observation as well, an unexpected incident happened. An announcement was made for Year 4 pupils to go to the assembly site to collect 1Malaysia chocolate milk. The announcement was not even finished, and all of my pupils sprinted out of the class to the assembly site. I was surprised with their dash and could not do anything to stop them. Ms. Lim and Shahera also were in shock with the incident. Ms. Lim told me to have them advised, warned, punished and reprimanded for their behaviour. I did. I was grateful that the pupils admitted their mishaps and apologized to me.
After the observation session, Shahera and I discussed quite a lot of things with Ms. Lim regarding our progress and performance in our classes. She has given us a lot of tips, ideas and suggestions on how to manage our class better. I believe I can improve myself by being more analytical and creative in the future.
My Practical Training Journal: Week 2
Thursday, August 18, 2011 10:45 am
Week 2
17 July 2011 – 21 July 2011
Week 2 started with wet weather. It was raining from dawn to sunrise. We started our day with the Sunday assembly. The teacher in charge of the library held a prize giving to the pupils who read the highest number of books. Other announcement included the reminder of sports training for Sunday and Monday. Pupils were also reminded of the Sukantara that would be held on Tuesday and the Sports Carnival that would be held on Wednesday. The Sukantara involved all pupils which is parallel with the government’s ambition of 1 pupil 1 sport. The events involved were 80-metre sprint, shot put, and high jump. Those who succeeded would contribute points to their sports’ team. Only one try was permitted to each pupil for each event.
As for this week, I was supposed to be given a new timetable which is permanent for my 3-month practical. Nevertheless, it would only be effective on Monday. My peer, Raba’atul Shahera and I reminded the PK 1 about our new timetables. We used our first week’s timetable for Sunday. Everything went well for my teaching and learning activities. After the final bell ring at 1.00 p.m., we looked for our timetables in the office. A teacher, Mr. Nasir gave us our new timetables. The PK 1 was attending a meeting. Then, we rushed down to Shahera’s car as we need to head to the IPG to give a copy of our timetables to our English and Science supervisors.
Both of our supervisors, Ms. Lim and Tuan Haji Haron were not around. We left our timetables on their desks and texted them to inform them about it.
As scheduled, we thought that we were going to be using our new timetables starting from Monday. But then, a minor havoc took place in the staff room when the PK 1 made an announcement for all teachers to pick up their new timetables in the office. It would be effective starting from Tuesday. When she was asked about the reasons of the new timetables, she said that it was all because of the English and Science periods that we requested for our 3-month practical training. PK 1 then told us that we could ask the teachers in the class that we were supposed to teach to hand over their class to us. Everything went well for my teaching and learning activities.
At 12.30 p.m., Shahera and I were invited to join the briefing of the Sukantara and the Sports Carnival. All teachers including the afternoon session’s teachers were invited. We were given a handout or a brochure. Shahera and I were appointed to be judges for the high jump event on Wednesday for the Sports Carnival. As for the Sukantara, we were invited to help out other teachers. The teacher involved with the high jump event asked us to help her out and we agreed.
As scheduled, Sukantara was held on Tuesday. I helped out with the high jump event while Shahera was asked to help out with the 80-metre sprint event. It was awesome. I enjoyed myself watching the kids showing their talents. The event used two metal poles and rubber bands tied together replacing the bar. The pupils must jump over the rubber bands without touching them. I could see that most of the boys succeeded and not so many girls could perform successful jumps. The Sukantara ended successfully at about 10.00 a.m. Teachers were enquired to perform classes as usual after recess.
I entered my first English class at Year 4B classroom. The surrounding was pretty havoc at that time. I believe the pupils were pretty tired with the Sukantara. I greeted the class and most of them told me that they did not bring their books. I said that it was alright as I was just planning to perform an ice-breaking session with them. I asked them to stand up, say out their names and tell me what I should call them or their short names. Most of them told me to speak in Malay because they said that they do not understand English well. I was surprised as my instruction was very simple. From that point of time, I started worrying about my class during my observation. God, help me!
The Sports Carnival was held as planned on Wednesday. Shahera and I were supposed to be judges for high jump event. Nevertheless, Shahera was asked to be the judge for the 80-metre sprint event. As for me, I continued my duty at the high jump spot. At about 9.40 a.m., I received a call from my supervisor, Ms. Lim. She reached the school and needed to see me and Shahera. I ran over to Shahera to inform her about Ms. Lim’s presence and we informed the other teachers about it.
Ms. Lim met us together with the GB, PK 1 and our mentor, Mrs. Parah Zahani. After a brief talk in the office, we moved to the Pusat Sumber as Ms. Lim needed to check our record books and portfolios. Ms. Lim and Mrs. Parah Zahani talked for a while about matters regarding the practical sessions. Then, Mrs. Parah Zahani left us as she has to continue her duty in the field. After checking everything, Ms. Lim advised us with lots of important things, corrected all our mistakes and errors found in our record books.
Then, we invited Ms. Lim to have a drink before she left. At the canteen, we met the GB and PK 1 again. I could see that all food for the teachers for lunch were ready. The GB asked us to invite Ms. Lim to have some food before she left. We took some food and invited Ms. Lim to have it. We talked about lots of things while she had her lunch. At about 12.30 p.m., she left us as she needed to rush back to the IPG for her 2.00 p.m. class.
We returned to the field. All major events were completed. We could only watch the event for the teachers and tug of war for the pupils. Then, we all headed to the ground floor of the new building for the prize giving session. The overall winner was the Yellow sports team. Congratulations!
On Thursday, all Year 6 pupils went for Rehat Minda session together with all Year 6 teachers. I could see lots of empty seats in the staff room. I was given a relief class for Year 1A after recess at 10.10 a.m. I handled a fun English learning session with the pupils. They were all very excited with it. I satisfied with their participation and enthusiasm. No intention of being biased, but I could see a big difference of Year 1A and Year 1D. Sometimes I thought that if the girls dominated the class, classroom control would be much easier. Year 1D has majority boys and Year 1A has majority girls. Or perhaps I need more time to learn about classroom control.
17 July 2011 – 21 July 2011
Week 2 started with wet weather. It was raining from dawn to sunrise. We started our day with the Sunday assembly. The teacher in charge of the library held a prize giving to the pupils who read the highest number of books. Other announcement included the reminder of sports training for Sunday and Monday. Pupils were also reminded of the Sukantara that would be held on Tuesday and the Sports Carnival that would be held on Wednesday. The Sukantara involved all pupils which is parallel with the government’s ambition of 1 pupil 1 sport. The events involved were 80-metre sprint, shot put, and high jump. Those who succeeded would contribute points to their sports’ team. Only one try was permitted to each pupil for each event.
As for this week, I was supposed to be given a new timetable which is permanent for my 3-month practical. Nevertheless, it would only be effective on Monday. My peer, Raba’atul Shahera and I reminded the PK 1 about our new timetables. We used our first week’s timetable for Sunday. Everything went well for my teaching and learning activities. After the final bell ring at 1.00 p.m., we looked for our timetables in the office. A teacher, Mr. Nasir gave us our new timetables. The PK 1 was attending a meeting. Then, we rushed down to Shahera’s car as we need to head to the IPG to give a copy of our timetables to our English and Science supervisors.
Both of our supervisors, Ms. Lim and Tuan Haji Haron were not around. We left our timetables on their desks and texted them to inform them about it.
As scheduled, we thought that we were going to be using our new timetables starting from Monday. But then, a minor havoc took place in the staff room when the PK 1 made an announcement for all teachers to pick up their new timetables in the office. It would be effective starting from Tuesday. When she was asked about the reasons of the new timetables, she said that it was all because of the English and Science periods that we requested for our 3-month practical training. PK 1 then told us that we could ask the teachers in the class that we were supposed to teach to hand over their class to us. Everything went well for my teaching and learning activities.
At 12.30 p.m., Shahera and I were invited to join the briefing of the Sukantara and the Sports Carnival. All teachers including the afternoon session’s teachers were invited. We were given a handout or a brochure. Shahera and I were appointed to be judges for the high jump event on Wednesday for the Sports Carnival. As for the Sukantara, we were invited to help out other teachers. The teacher involved with the high jump event asked us to help her out and we agreed.
As scheduled, Sukantara was held on Tuesday. I helped out with the high jump event while Shahera was asked to help out with the 80-metre sprint event. It was awesome. I enjoyed myself watching the kids showing their talents. The event used two metal poles and rubber bands tied together replacing the bar. The pupils must jump over the rubber bands without touching them. I could see that most of the boys succeeded and not so many girls could perform successful jumps. The Sukantara ended successfully at about 10.00 a.m. Teachers were enquired to perform classes as usual after recess.
I entered my first English class at Year 4B classroom. The surrounding was pretty havoc at that time. I believe the pupils were pretty tired with the Sukantara. I greeted the class and most of them told me that they did not bring their books. I said that it was alright as I was just planning to perform an ice-breaking session with them. I asked them to stand up, say out their names and tell me what I should call them or their short names. Most of them told me to speak in Malay because they said that they do not understand English well. I was surprised as my instruction was very simple. From that point of time, I started worrying about my class during my observation. God, help me!
The Sports Carnival was held as planned on Wednesday. Shahera and I were supposed to be judges for high jump event. Nevertheless, Shahera was asked to be the judge for the 80-metre sprint event. As for me, I continued my duty at the high jump spot. At about 9.40 a.m., I received a call from my supervisor, Ms. Lim. She reached the school and needed to see me and Shahera. I ran over to Shahera to inform her about Ms. Lim’s presence and we informed the other teachers about it.
Ms. Lim met us together with the GB, PK 1 and our mentor, Mrs. Parah Zahani. After a brief talk in the office, we moved to the Pusat Sumber as Ms. Lim needed to check our record books and portfolios. Ms. Lim and Mrs. Parah Zahani talked for a while about matters regarding the practical sessions. Then, Mrs. Parah Zahani left us as she has to continue her duty in the field. After checking everything, Ms. Lim advised us with lots of important things, corrected all our mistakes and errors found in our record books.
Then, we invited Ms. Lim to have a drink before she left. At the canteen, we met the GB and PK 1 again. I could see that all food for the teachers for lunch were ready. The GB asked us to invite Ms. Lim to have some food before she left. We took some food and invited Ms. Lim to have it. We talked about lots of things while she had her lunch. At about 12.30 p.m., she left us as she needed to rush back to the IPG for her 2.00 p.m. class.
We returned to the field. All major events were completed. We could only watch the event for the teachers and tug of war for the pupils. Then, we all headed to the ground floor of the new building for the prize giving session. The overall winner was the Yellow sports team. Congratulations!
On Thursday, all Year 6 pupils went for Rehat Minda session together with all Year 6 teachers. I could see lots of empty seats in the staff room. I was given a relief class for Year 1A after recess at 10.10 a.m. I handled a fun English learning session with the pupils. They were all very excited with it. I satisfied with their participation and enthusiasm. No intention of being biased, but I could see a big difference of Year 1A and Year 1D. Sometimes I thought that if the girls dominated the class, classroom control would be much easier. Year 1D has majority boys and Year 1A has majority girls. Or perhaps I need more time to learn about classroom control.
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