Teacher Sarah's Practicum Tales: Adventures in Adventure

DAY 56 16 October 2023 On October 16th, my role as an invigilator took center stage as I was tasked with supervising the SPM Lisan examinations for Bahasa Cina and Bahasa Tamil. This responsibility meant that I couldn't enter my regular classes that day, as I needed to focus on monitoring the SPM candidates throughout the entire day. It was a unique and enriching experience to be on the other side of the examination process, ensuring its integrity and smooth conduct.   Once school was over, I sought the company of a friend to help me in the next crucial step of my journey. We set out to find the necessary tools and resources for my upcoming observation with my lecturer, scheduled in just a few days. Additionally, I double-checked my lesson plan, which was integral to my teaching assessment. The nerves were certainly present, as I knew the significance of this observation. I couldn't help but hope for a successful outcome, and I was determined to make it a positive experience. D...

DAY 51  9 October 2023 The week began with the classic case of "Monday Blues" on October 9th. I didn’t go to school as i was having a really bad diarrhea. However, a teacher told me a news. I received unexpected news that would alter my schedule for the week. I was informed that I would be tasked with the role of an invigilator for the UTQH examination in Pendidikan Islam SPM, which was scheduled for both Tuesday and Thursday. This announcement caught me off guard and added a new dimension to my week.   The prospect of becoming an invigilator for a test in the subject of Pendidikan Islam was an entirely new experience for me. During my own high school years, I had never encountered this specific examination. This news brought a mix of curiosity and anticipation as I prepared to oversee the students taking this test. It was a chance to step into a different role within the school environment and gain insights into the examination process that I hadn't experienced before.  ...

DAY 46 2 October 2023 In my tenth week at SMKDL, it was a day of anticipation and excitement as the closing ceremony for Academic Month finally arrived. The stage was set, and it was showtime! The choral speaking team was up first, and their performance was nothing short of exceptional. It was heartwarming to witness my students giving it their all and shining brightly on the stage. As for me, I had a surprise up my sleeve. I was set to perform with the band, a moment filled with both excitement and nervousness. The other teachers had no idea about my performance, so I had no idea how they might react. To my relief, everything went off smoothly, and the surprise and enthusiasm from the audience were truly heartening.   The post-performance feedback was equally gratifying. Colleagues and teachers congratulated me for orchestrating such an amazing set of performances. It was a day filled with surprises and proud moments, and it was a refreshing feeling to enter the classroom with a...

DAY 41 25 September 2023 Finally, Monday has arrived. I've been looking forward to it with a mix of trepidation and enthusiasm. Today marks my first observation with Ms. Li, my school mentor. I have to admit that I was somewhat nervous as I entered the classroom. However, as the day went on, I realized that the experience had more potential than I had first realized. The class today focused on improving reading skills, and the subject amazing trip to Morocco. My personal connection to the subject matter made the session interesting and enjoyable. My nervousness subsided as the pupils seemed enthralled with the stories I told. The comments from Ms. Li was a goldmine of knowledge. She was loving and motherly, and she gave me helpful criticism to help me get better. She had a firm teaching style, yet I could still feel that she genuinely wanted to help and mentor me as I developed as a teacher. Her background as a teacher was evident when she gave me insightful notes and knowledge tha...

DAY 36 18 September 2023 Monday blues hit again as I kicked off Week 8 with the school assembly. Following the assembly, my schedule called for a class with 4 Beta, but a twist of events unfolded. My mentor wanted to review their previous exam answers, so she stepped in to handle the class while I assisted in this session. It was a different yet insightful start to the day. After school, my role shifted to observer mode. I divided my attention between the school band and my choral speaking team, both diligently preparing for their upcoming performances on October 2nd. The dedication and hard work of these students gave me confidence that their performances would shine.  Once I had finished with these students, it was time for a quick shopping trip to AEON Maluri. I needed to gather some items to create a hamper, a special surprise for my students, in preparation for their roleplay session next Wednesday. I planned to present this hamper to the best-performing group, adding an ext...

DAY 31 11 September 2023 Ah, Monday—the day when the week begins anew—and this time, it brought with it something special: picture day. The theme for today was red chilli, and the entire school was draped in vibrant shades of crimson. As someone who usually steers clear of bright colours, this was quite a challenge for me. The sea of red was dizzying, but it was heartwarming to see everyone come together in the same hue. Maybe next time we can opt for a more soothing colour, I thought. As the day progressed, it felt like any other day at first. But then something extraordinary happened. I began practicing with my choral speaking team—a passion of mine since my early school days. It's been years since I actively participated in such activities, and the chance to relive it with my students felt surreal. I've always dreamt of sharing these experiences with my students, knowing the joys and bonds formed in a team. Today, that dream became a reality. Rehearsing with the choral spea...