It’s been almost 2 weeks since I first enroll myself as the teacher-trainee at SK Sultanah Asma, a well-known ‘convent’ (school for girls) which happens to be a primary school known for its rich history and sacred reputation amongst the Kedahan population. I’ve been busy with daily lesson plans and other trivial documenting shenanigans which I find interesting (writing reflection and journals). All I can say, I feel so blessed and yeah, I’ve made the RIGHT choice to leave the previous job which never was my passion and being accepted to do what I am good at : talking, conveying knowledge and of course writing!
Application of ‘Light Travels In Straight Line.”
Most of my friends avoided this school as the selection for practical because they were not confident with their English. Well, I can say sometimes bark is worse than the bite. The idea of teaching a so-called elite school seemed to be intimidating but once you are already accustomed and get used with the culture, I think everything is manageable. Nonetheless, of course I would say that if the English command is poor it would be a challenging atmosphere for them to flourish magnificently here because as a teacher, you have to put yourself above the pupils. You are the source of knowledge. You have to be superior to the pupils. Based on my observations, there are few pupils who are very good and eloquent in English and Science and therefore it is quite challenging, to be honest. Nonetheless, I love challenges and I love pushing the envelope vigorously. The more challenge I get, the more paranoid I become to outdo that. BRING IT ON.
Erk???? Hahaha..polishing my rusty artsy skill (<”)
Alright, enough with the blabbing. I was given Year 3 , Year 5 for Science and Year 4 for English. The first moment I entered the class, everyone expected this ‘cute-and-petite’ teacher to be all soft-spoken. Well, I took no time to storm off first by explaining rules and regulation in my class. After a brief intense moment of brainwashing and nagging, the atmosphere became energetic (children, what do you expect?!) again due to some spontaneous jokes and ‘fun time-with-lessons.’ For 3 Venus which happened to be one of the poorest class among the Year 3 classes, I’ve always tend to use a psycho-motor approach : learning Science through games and show them colorful pictures. But of course being a poor class, I have to constantly storm off but I can say that I can control the class (so far). In my lesson, I always encourage them NOT TO BE SHY TO SAY THEIR OPINIONS even if it is wrong. By coaxing them, I can see a few pupils who tend to be very shy were active in giving opinions. And definitely, pupils love attention. I would try my very best to give a personalize attention (although it’s hard!) by calling each and everyone’s name. Next week, we will proceed to next chapter : Absorption.
Formation of Shadow : Factor contributes changes in shape of shadow – Position of Source of Light.
For 5 Uranus which is like the creme-of-the-creme of Year 5 classes; I would say that overall the class is very attentive in learning Science although there were one or two pupils who seemed to be quite easily distracted from my lesson ( I would ‘attack’ these pupils on the spot). The English command is quite good and I would say that a trainee-teacher who does not have full-grasp of the language MAY find it difficult to impress the pupils. During the lesson, I always encourage them to speak up and I like to create activities which involve the verbal scientific skill- that is COMMUNICATING. Of course, there are some pupils who find it hard to construct words in English since the native mother tongue is Malay (Tell me about it! I used to experience that). Nevertheless, I always repeat this very exact words :
“Do not be scared to express what you want to say. It’s OK if you find it hard to construct the words. I am not going to makan you! (laugh). All of us are here to study and to learn. I’m also still learning.”
And for the English lesson for 4 Uranus, I can conclude that it is the most active class amongst the three classes I taught so far. Since this is also the top class in Year 4, the command of English is considerably good. And I honestly said that I had a blast time in English (children loves games) and so far I’ve explored Speaking as the Focused Skill and also Reading & Writing as the Integrated Skill. I believe that my Learning Outcomes for the class were successfully achieved through few activities I organized (which I shall not reveal here since I found that there are some people who are googling for “Set Induction & Classes Activities of KPLI, Macro-teaching, etc.” Self-centered, much? Hahaha..maybe *wink*).
What Contributes To The Changes of Size of Shadow? – Distance Between Object & Light Source.
On whole, I can say that so far I am enjoying myself immensely with the nature of this new career. For 3 Venus, 5 Uranus and 4 Uranus, Sir Shahrill will try to deliver his very best to impart knowledge to all of you. Sincerity and honesty are the essence in my working etiquette. All of the deeds are to be between me and the Almighty Allah SWT. Insya Allah.
