There are always room for improvements

It been 3 weeks i've been here in S.M.K Seri Hartamas. But every times i entered the class it still give me butterflies. This would be my main problem. There are always room for improvements - Madam Jeet (my mentor) Somehow she always give me positive comments and suggestions for what to do in class whenever i felt down and made me want to do better for the next class. I got form 2 Ikhlas which is very noisy and divided into few groups in class. They have high proficiency and low proficiency students and some like to talk Bahasa with me. Group works doesn't fit them as they always talk in groups and i unable to control the class told my mentor. They also have little respect for teacher. So I changed my method from being nice to strict. They still like to talk though but i will constantly remind them to be silent. My mentor also commented my teaching where i always concentrate the front row because they always answered my question and forgot about students sitting at the back and made them lost interest to learn. I've tried role play in group but only the high proficiency seem to participate. I still need to figure more methods for them that complements everyone in the class. While for my form 4 Zuhal they are very passive and somehow reminded me of my high school class. It is always the same person that answered all the questions i asked them. They don't like to do group work and if yes only the same person did all the tasks while others will chat or sleep. Because of this i will always ask people who sleep, chat and sitting at the back to answer questions or give their comments in class. Every comments and experiences i faced made me stronger and i'll to do it better next day. And feel free to comment if you have any suggestion or comment to help me. Aby <3

The Boys

Bukit Bintang Boys, of course.

Since the first day I came in to this school, I can say that all of them see us like we are nobody, not a real teacher. The best thing is that I was assigned for 1 U, 2nd best class. But still,  I was assigned for the last class, 1 T as well... I never give up but give my best to cater both classes. I can say that all, yes, ALL of the classes are super active, like Syazwan said in his post. They can never sit still, always talking, and moving around for no reason. By putting on ground rules and implementing them straight away when they mess up, it did help me to gain class control. Anyway, for 1 T, I can say that, all of my colleagues are shouting to them. only our Penyelia Petang managed to control their behavior with soft-spoken words.

Problems I Faced

All of them are super active. They always giving us excuses to go out e.g toilet, see other teacher. I rarely entertain them. 

1T - they have very low proficiency in English. I have to mix my English with BM every now and then. they make loud noises, even when i'm teaching them. I can't even rely on their monitor as he makes more noise than others.However, there are a few of them who really like to learn are giving full concentration.

1U - they have better proficiency than 1T. however some of them don't give full co-operation, perhaps they don't really like my style, only 10% of them are like that.

2B (Moral) - first class, but same problem (loud noises, reasons to go out). 

Strategies

1. Ground rules that I have set and implementing it right away. at least it give them that "don't mess with me" mindset. I have to do this since they don't have any fear/respect towards their regular teachers, what more from me?

2. Mahjong papers, manila cards, pictures are essential as it attracts them. the classroom are not equipped with projectors and plug points are not working. thus, Syazwan and I have to opt traditional teaching aids.

3.  for better classes, I can use a lot of student-centered methods like discussions, presentations. but for 1 T, I choose to be more of traditional-type because of their level. However, I still include games and fun to attract them.

so far, strategy 2 and 3 have worked well. but for num 1, it is not really working to all of them. But still, me and Syazwan always discusses about giving them harsh punishments only when they went overboard. this is because our Penyelia Petang doesn't really like the shouting and harsh punishments like our colleagues did as she feel pity with the students' background, problems etc. But still, if we don't take care of ourselves, they will stepped on our head, right? (sorry for literal translation). 

However, my motivation is still high as before not for grades but for my classes. I really want to share and spread the knowledge to them.

If you be nice to me, i'll be nice to you!

Hi peeps,

How are you? And your teaching practice? I personally hope that everyone is doing just fine and are enjoying their teaching practice. You know what, I really can't believe it. Time flies so fast and here we are, the third week of our teaching practice. Yet next week is the final exam for my school, Catholic High School.  Which this also means that my friends and i have to rush and finish all the syllabus before the final exam. OMG! It's a real challenging task for me and for them, i guess.

Honestly, many good and not so good things (i can't consider it as bad though) had happen through out this three weeks of teaching. However, i just bare it in mind that everything that happen is just a part and partial life of becoming a teacher.

The first week - Gabe, Muni, Ellina and i were assigned to teach in the afternoon session which starts from 1.00 pm to 6.30 pm everyday. However, we have to be in school before 12.30 pm. I'm okay with that but it's just that we are not given our own table where we can actually seat, put all of our stuffs and do all our works on it. Mdm. Wong, the senior assistant told us that they don't have enough place for us, trainees as most of the place have been occupied by the permanent teachers and we have to wait until the morning session teachers go back to get our place. Isn't that annoying? But, luckily she promised to find us a place before the week ends. Later on, she gave us our timetable where i have to teach 1 Form 1 class and 3 Form 2 classes. I am quite lucky as i do not have any class on Monday. So, i am a free bird every Monday. Since i do not have any class on the first day, i took the opportunity to walk around the school to get familiar with the places as well as to get to know some teachers. My mentor, Mdm. Ow Siew Har is a discipline teacher. She looks really strict but friendly at the same time. She told me on what i should cover up and even invited me to her class to see how she conducts her lesson. The next day, i entered my first class that is my form 2 Moral class. I feel as if i'm an alien from outer space as every single student is staring at me and whispering to each other. I introduced myself to them by saying that i am their temporary teacher. As soon as i finish talking, the class started to make a lot of noise and they don't even bother to hear what i am about to teach them. It's getting on my nerves as no one is listening to me. I yelled at them for the first time and to my surprise everyone straightaway shuts their mouth and look at me. However, i did not continue scolding them but i use a strategy that i learnt from the other teachers. I made a deal with them that is if they be nice to me, i'll be nice to them as well but if they are trying to be funny, i'll be even more funny than them. Everyone agrees to follow the rule and i'm happy with that. My next class is Form 1 English class. I entered the class and yes, the same thing happens where everyone is looking at me and the next moment, they started talking to each other, ignoring my presence. I didn't wait long to start my lesson as i have been assigned to teach them comprehension on the first day. I can see some of the students are not happy with me but i tried my best to tackle them. Without realizing it, the first week is almost over and yet we have Saturday school. My mentor observed me for the first time today as she wouldn't be around for quite some time. I got a positive comment as she told me that my voice is loud enough and to her surprise, i manage to control the whole class which she regards them as hyperactive and cheeky students.

The second week - This week i am quite busy, as i have to relief many classes. Even though so, we are still not given our own table. But, its okay. I still manage to keep myself calm. Besides, i have made many new friends and they are all so friendly, helpful and nice. Everything is going on just fine until i entered my form 1 English class again, that is 1A1. Today, i am teaching them on how to write an announcement. I divide them into groups and divide the task as well. I choose the group leader by myself to save time but to my surprise something unexpected happens. Mr. Loga, my moral lecturer once told me that "we should try to involve every student in our lesson and if we see someone that does not get along well with everyone, we as a teacher should take action to solve it". I choose a boy named 'Tan' to be the of the group leader but to my surprise the whole class refuse to be in his group and they even dare to utter the word "we hate him" and "we don't like him". I really don't get it but after some serious discussion and by playing rock, paper, scissors, at last i manage to put him in one of the group. All of them cooperate really well, except for one group which consists of 7 boys. Every time i walk pass by their group, they will straight away block my way and wouldn't let me pass or look at their work. I think that is fine because by hook or by crook they still have to pass up their work to me by the end of the class. As the class almost over, i collected all their works and head off to the staff room. I go through their works, some of them did really well but for that particular boys group, i was really shocked to see what they have done. They did not follow my instruction to create an announcement but they are creating something else but using all sort of dirty and disgusting words. They are just form 1 but they have such a dirty minded mind. I didn't wait long and i proceed to meet the discipline teacher, Mdm. Cheam. However, i feel like giving them a chance and who knows perhaps they can change. I bumped into one of the boys and told him that i am really pissed off with their group and straight walk away. His face immediately change. On Saturday, we have to attend LADAP that is Latihan Dalam Pengajaran at Taylor's College. It is a new experience for me and it is also the first course for me to attend as a teacher. Interesting! But, i still can't manage to solve Tan's problem.

The third week - Today, as soon as i drove my car into the school compound, i saw all 7 of the boys are waiting for me. I am really nervous and scared at the same time because i really don't know what they are up to. As i proceed to the staff room, they stopped me and each and every one of them starts apologizing and begged me not to report them to the discipline teacher. They are pulling my hands like babies and i decided to forgive them if only they cooperate with me and behave nicely in my class. They agreed and that's it, i forgave them. Yes, they behave properly but we can't expect them to totally transform themselves, they are still kids. But, i can feel that i am getting closer to them day by day. They started being open with me and we can joke around together. Same goes to the other classes. However, before i forget, during the assembly on Monday, one teacher told me something that i myself really can't believe it until now. They said that i am one of the fierce teacher in school. Really ah?? What a surprise?? But, i doesn't matter as long as the students respect me and we can get along together. That's all i need. One more thing, i have got my own table. Yes! At last! Unfortunately, not for Gabe, Muni and Ellina. They still have to share tables with other teachers. Ouwww!

As mentioned above, the main problem that i faced at school is the students themselves. As for the problematic students, i tried to find ways that can attract them to listen to me. Some of my classes really enjoy group work and some of them need us to pay more attention to them. I did many series of group work and also try to get closer to my students by sharing something in common such as our interest. One close example is in my 2B1 Moral class. There is a group of boys who always make noise, create trouble and didn't bring their books to school. At first, i was very angry at them but then i remember one of the teacher once told me "not every thing will turn out as you wish for". Then, i change my strategy. Every time i entered the class, i will ask them to answer my questions and give more attention to them. I stop scolding them as i realized that is no use as they will hate me even more. Sometimes, i will just walk to their desk and try to chat with them about anything. Thank God, in just 2 weeks, i have manage to grab their attention in class. One day, I entered the class and asked who didn't bring their books. They raised up their hands and said "Teacher, today we got bring our book lor. Good boy right? Extra mark for PEBEL okay?" I really can't stop smiling the whole day as i manage to solve that problem by just becoming more patience. Even some of the teachers told me that they had already give up with that group because of their rude behavior. I am really proud of myself! Yeeppiii. :)

I really hope all of us can keep being cool and calm in facing any kind of problems. Just be patience, everything will be alright. After all, they are still kids. Just don't let it get over board.

ADIOS! <3

Teacher and Microphone..

Honestly, I already give up on my first week of teaching. However, the school counselor was my life saver. She does open up my eyes and make me realized that everything does not comes as we wish for. Thank You Cikgu Ayu.. =D

I was assigned to teach Form One and Form Two.

Allow me to introduce my students.. =)

1A3: At first, I really had hard time to tackle them. Their teacher told me that they are really passive. They won’t respond to any question or movement..HAHA.. But their English was really good.. Sometimes I can feel that their English are better than mine... *face palms* But as usual, first impression is not always the best. I managed to grab their attention in the second class. They really love to work in group. They will finish their homework in time, submit their work and put effort in every activity that I conduct in the class. In the second week, all of us had been comfortable with each other. And, unexpectedly, they had shown their true colour. They become talkative and really active in class. For me, it was a good changes. =)

2A2: There are 43 students in this class. The environment of this class is really suffocating. There is no space for me to walk around the class. The student’s table is really close with each other. You can find the last student is sitting really near with the wall. Because of that, it’s hard for me to have a look on the student’s work. However, I love this class. They are eager to learn something new in every lesson. Most of the students are really active, cheerful and friendly as well. They really love to laugh. Sometimes I don’t understand the real reason that makes they so happy..They always make me wonder…HAHA.. ^_^

2B2: There is one group of boy that is really naughty and noisy. They like to speak in mandarin with me. Sometimes I just pretend that I understand what they are talking about. But sometimes I can’t avoid myself from asking them what does it means. HUHU.. But those boys are nice; they respect me and like to make fun of each other. They are so funny. =D All the girls in this class are sweet.. They like to smile and respond to every question that I ask.. One thing about them, they always ask me to write on the blackboard..NO! My handwriting is terrible.. But they still love it.. So sweet of them.. <3

2B6: My worst class ever.. HAISHH..! =.= The biggest problem that I faced in this class is that they really hate group work.. They refuse to do any activity in class. I had tried to do one activity in class, but FAIL..! First, I’m having difficulties to divide them into group. “Teacher, I don’t want..! I don’t want..! I don’t want..”  Second, they don’t want to cooperate with their group members.. They waste their time doing their own work. Even though they had been assigned to discuss in group, but none of them put effort in it. I feel so disappointed with them. Beside that, they don’t want to learn at all. They always said that there is no use in learning Moral in class. They can use their own logic thinking to answer the exam question.

Since Allah has gave me such a soft voice, so it is quite hard for me to control the class. They always ask me to talk louder.  Sometimes, my student’s voice is louder than me..HUHU.. The solution for my problem is…, I’m using microphone in class..HIHI.. xp

Best regards,

Muniroh Mansor (^^,)

Surprises

It has been three weeks since I started teaching at SMK (L) Bukit Bintang. Monday, 3^rd September 2012 (first day of being a trainee teacher), approximately 1.25 p.m.: assembly, the school hall. The principal announces, “Kita ada menerima seorang guru baru, Cikgu Amin (we have got a new teacher, Cikgu Amin)”. The teacher stands and waves to the students. The students give him a round of applause and not even one of them says anything. I thought “this is great, they welcome the new teacher”. The principal continues her speech, “Kita juga ada menerima 2 orang guru pelatih Bahasa Inggeris……..(we have also got two English trainee teachers……)” and all of the sudden the students went crazy. They were screaming, booing and definitely not a single student gives us an applause. The principal had to yell to the students, telling them to behave before calling out our names and we stand. A teacher behind me whispered “tengok tu, budak-budak dah mula dah (Look, they have started)”.

Upon the event, I embraced myself for the ‘treatment’ that is waiting for me. For my first class, I introduced two rules.

1)      When I am in class, nobody speaks unless I ask you to speak and if you have any question, raise up your hand with your mouth shut.

2)      If you need to talk, please stand on your chair and talk, and don’t sit unless I tell you to sit.

Well, the cruel rules rule! I have the class in control and avoid being the victim of the bullies.

Next problem. “Sir, I can’t read and write, how am I going to do this?” At first, I really thought they really can’t read and write and that is going to be a real problem for me. So I used basic and simple materials from the primary school to teach them (my mentor gave the suggestion). But, on one very fine day of the first week, I’m having a class with 1 Ikhlas, a period before the recess. I gave them a short essay to write despite I’m aware of their incompetence. I said, “I don’t care if you can’t read or write, you will not go for recess if you don’t finish this essay”. To my surprise, the ones with “Sir, I can’t read and write, how am I going to do this?” finished first with minimal grammatical error. Those are the SMK (L) Bukit Bintang students for you. They have been fooling their teachers so they may be excused from doing work. Problem solved.

I have been observed a couple of times by my mentor and she said I’m doing fine. From what I’ve been through, I’ve realised that the boys are super active. They need to move around. They want to play games. They love to draw and do role play. They are really smart unless you ask them to copy notes on the board or write essays and definitely crazy about money, gadgets and girls from Assunta. So I let them be a bit noisy for some times by introducing games and group work activities before asking them to do their work.

So far, I’ve only been warned by the Penyelia Petang for high fiving the boys and being too friendly with the boys outside of classroom. The boys like to stick their hands out of the window to high five me when I walk past their class. The senior teachers are worried about that. They said the boys might lose their respect towards me and will not see me as their teacher but more as a friend.

To all my friends, no matter how bad your students are, find a way to bring the best out of them. 

Of everyday's pressure and love

     Hello warriors. We have been in our teaching practice for almost 3 weeks already. As I was assigned to teach Form 1 Cekal and Form 2 Sabar, I started my teaching since the first day of practical. I could not make any class observation as the class teacher was on maternity leave. For the first weeks, I made some activities to test their language skills.

        Let me begin with my form 1 class. They are the best class. Their proficiency are average-high intermediate. They have settled with all the syllabus when I came in. So, I told them that we are going to make revision for the final exam. Based on all the activities that are being done with them, they are really capable of doing all kinds of activities. However, they keep on talking and move around. Although some teachers remind me not to let them talk too much in the class, I didn't stop their conversation with their friends in the class as in my own opinion, they are undergoing process of learning as they converse in English. Honestly, there are not much problems that came up while teaching them. For next week's class, I 've prepared a lesson plan that is quite challenging for them as I don't want them to be too confident that they can handle everything. On last Tuesday, two of my form1 students made a public speaking in front of the whole school.I am really proud of them and honestly, there's no words can describe how happy I am when they get down from the stage podium, the first face that they look at was at me with a smile :). These are some pictures on activity that is done with them 

     Let's move on with form 2 students. I was assigned to teach form 2 Sabar. All teachers and school admins always remind me to be really patient with them. On my first class, I did ice breaking activity by giving them a blank sheet of paper and ask them to draw pictures that describe about themselves. The rationale that I did this so that I could get to know them better and I could be able to test their language skills. When they start presenting their drawing, I know that they proficiency are very weak. There is one student who asked me what's the purpose of learning English as he only wants to work at a car wash. I was really speechless at that time. Besides that, they are very noisy and always move around. At that time,I really don't know how to control them. Even if I scold them, they will only keep quiet for 3 minutes before they become noisy again. I was really pressured. 

     On the first week itself, I try to do activities that I could see their ability in reading and writing. I did a summary with them. I got to know that they are unable to find their own main points.They need to be spoon feed all the time. I talked to my school mentor about it and she asked me to translate the words as the students are very weak. On second week, their attitude still haven't changed. I keep on scolding them but as again, they will only be quiet for 3 minutes. There was one female student who is quite rude. There was one time where she shouts and said ' Wey, teacher, come here'' ( in Malay Language). I told her is that the appropriate way you call your teacher. I was very angry and speechless when she said 'It's up to me on how I want to call you''.  I was very fed up at that time.
    
     Moreover, there's one male student in the class who's going through dyslexia learning problem. He takes some time to do the task given but at the same time he cannot sit still on his seat.  I ask for the class's teacher advice about the them and the teacher asks me to always threaten them. On the next class, I try to understand them by talking softly to them but at the same time I threatened them when they are naughty. There was one time where I'm already in the class but one of the student went to other class. I went to that class and called my student but when I go in front, he went to the back,when I go to the back,he goes to the front until I told him that if he keeps on doing that, he can just stand for the whole 80 minutes. Honestly, each of them have their own attitude which is very hard for me to tackle each of them. Only around 10 students who are okay in the class.

 On the learning part itself, I try to simplify my activities based on the basic level. Honestly, I could not really made interesting activity or use a lot of teaching aids with them as they are unable to even make sentences on their own. I go through each activity with them one by one. I am still learning and try many ways to tackle their attitude. I really need some tips from all of you.

      For the coming class, I have some plans to be done with the students. For the form 1 students, I will do more intensive exercise as they are going to sit for their finals soon. Meanwhile, for the form two students, I will start the intensive exercise earlier with them as I need to go through with them one by one. 

      After being commented by my supervisor about the form two students, I could say that I let God decide what's best for me. Although my first evaluation was not good as I could not do any interesting activity with them, I believe that I have tried my best to guide them. Before, I was worried about my marks, but now what matters to me is not my marks anymore, but on the guidance that I have try to give to them so that they could improve even I need to guide them on each step  although they are still naughty until now. I believe that the satisfaction of teaching came when they learn and understand  even a bit although my method is traditional. There was never a day that I was not angry with them but I've started to love them no matter how naughty they are. Right now, I really  don't know how to do any interesting activities while at the same time they are unable to make their own sentences......

Breathe Easy

Assalam and greetings! I've been missing each and every one of you. For real! =)

How have you been? I’ve read amazing and exciting stories from all of you. Surely I know you're more than fine! I miss Uni though. Anyhow, I’ve been great in SMK Assunta. The girls in general are excellent and the teachers are the best ever. All of them are nice and friendly! You do need friendly people when you're in a new place. I love to bits the healthy environment, Assunta defines One Malaysia. They do not discriminate, judge nor racist towards anybody. To be honest, I wish I was an Assuntarian, they are simply astounding.

I've been into a great number of classes (relief classes) and they will always want to get to know me. As usual, fresh faces get the extra attention. Winnie gets it all the time, teehee. The students easily open up to me, asking for love, friendship and all kinds of advice, you name it. I don’t mind spending time talking to them because I see them as sisters.

As for teaching, I start to find passion in doing it. The senior assistant once said to me, "it's never really about how much money you make, it's about being passionate of what you do and what changes can you bring into your students' life". As for classes, I’ve been assigned to teach 4 Science 3 and 4 Accounts 1. You can tell the differences between these two classes the second you meet them. The students in 4S3 are talkative, active, enthusiastic and responsive. Meanwhile, my students in 4A1 are quite reserved and afraid of making mistakes but they are indeed good listeners and writers. I can get the 4S3 students to talk about themselves in a blink of an eye. However, 4A1 prefers to listen attentively and get the work done, thus that leaves me unknowing of their backgrounds and etc. I’m still trying to adapt and keep in mind that these two classes are very dissimilar than one another.

My mentor had observed my teaching and she always makes me feel good about myself, which is a good thing because sometimes when you doubt your capabilities, you do need some confidence boost. My mentor really is like a mother and I feel more than comfortable being around her.  My supervisor came the next day after my mentor’s observation. Truth be told, though she gave some positive feedbacks, I personally believe that I have not done my best and I know I could have done better.

Class control is not a problem, though 4S3 has talkative students, they do listen to instructions and 4A1 will never cause problems. I love being in Assunta, I love teaching, love the students and I appreciate the support from family, best friend and friends who have always been there through thick and thin. God wants us to persevere and I know He listens to our prayers. We can survive this! Dear friends, I miss you badly!

Activities – try discussion, role play, drawing and don’t forget about the formative assessments.

Best regards,

Farha Alia