Second Week of Observation and Teaching Assistantship

 September 4th, 2023

    During my observation and Teaching assistantship week in the SEA Teacher program, I entered the initial phase of my teaching abroad experience. This was an important moment in my trip as a guest teacher, where I was able to observe class at Lampang Sports School (LSS) and understand more deeply about the education system in the country I visited. Class observations and Teaching assistantship, I did this from September 4th to September 8th. The following is a story about my experience during classroom observation week:

    From August 30th to 31st before entering the teaching assistantship the following week I observed at the Demonstration School of LPRU. During the 2 days I observed, my friend JM and I received help from LPRU staff who lived in the same building in the same apartment, he was the one who took us for 2 days to the Demonstration School LPRU which we usually call Mother. Aom is like our own mother. There, when I was observing, I met good and friendly teachers, especially the teacher who was my supervisor at the school, namely Mr. Kim.

    Demonstration Schools of LPRU are Kindergartens and Elementary Schools that are within the scope of the LPRU or can be said to be under the auspices of the LPRU. Not just the two of us, JM and I, but four of us, because those placed at the school were my friends named Ivan and Janus. During 2 days of observation, things at school ran smoothly.

    The next day on September 4th because I was at a different school, I used this week for observation and as a teaching assistant because this is a Lampang sports school or sports school and is different from the demonstration school of LPRU.

     First Day at Lampang Sports School (LSS), Early in the morning, I feel very excited when I arrive at school. I wore clothes that I had prepared well and brought all the equipment needed for class observation. When I entered the teacher's room, I was introduced to my supervising teacher, who would be my mentor and guide throughout my teaching period at the school. This supervising teacher seemed friendly and ready to help me adapt to the new environment.

     I was given a schedule of classes that I would observe during that week. During the first day, I spent time observing how local teachers taught, learning how students interacted, and observing the teaching system in place.

    Current Week, During the observation and Teaching assistantship week, I continued to attend various classes with various levels and subjects. I noticed differences in teaching methods, teacher communication styles, and interactions between students. I noted various things you encountered, both positive and challenges faced by teachers and students.

    I also had the opportunity to talk to some local teachers and share experiences and ideas with them. This helped me feel closer to the school community and understand more about education in the country.

    Last day, On the last day of the observation and teaching Assistantship week, I felt more prepared and confident to begin my own teaching. I felt grateful for the opportunity to observe various classes and gain valuable insight into the country's education system. I would also like to thank my supervisor for his guidance and support during the week. What was interesting during observations at Lampang Sports School (LSS) was:

1. The sports schedule is not included in the lesson schedule, they have a sports schedule every day in the afternoon, according to the sport they choose, even before entering school they have time to practice in the morning.
2. The classroom learning system is very flexible for students because the amount of competition makes them tired,
3. When in class as a teacher, the teacher must be friendly and not demand that the students focus in class, in fact, we as teachers should not scold the students, even though the students there really respect the teacher.
4. They are very respectful, and friendly, and know when they can talk and know when they have to be quiet, of course, they accompany me when I make observations in class.

    Observation and Teaching Assistantship week is an important stage in your preparation as a guest teacher, and you feel increasingly prepared to face the teaching challenges ahead. You enter the next phase of your journey as a SEA Teacher with great enthusiasm and confidence