Third Week of Teaching in Class

 September 11th, 2023

    My week of teaching practice at Sea Teacher in Thailand, especially at Lampang Sports School, was an experience I will never forget. This educational adventure combines a love of the environment, local culture, and sports, creating a truly unique environment for learning and teaching.

   When I arrived at Lampang Sports School, I was accompanied by a teacher during class who served as a translator when I taught, named teacher tle and teacher cream. I was amazed by the vibrant and passionate atmosphere of the school. The students are very dedicated to various sports and outdoor activities. This is a place where the love of sport and healthy living takes center stage.

   During the first week, I focused on integrating lessons about the environment and sustainability into the school's sports curriculum. I was pleased to see the enthusiasm of the students to understand how sport and the environment are interrelated. We do outdoor activities combining sports with sharing about life in my own country, such as differences in education systems and when teaching sports.

  This week I was teaching, I had various problems regarding teaching in the classroom (health education) and on the field (soccer), because of language problems. Facing communication challenges with students at Lampang Sports School in Thailand who did not understand English was a demanding, but instructive experience. This was an important moment in my teaching practice journey, which tested my ability to adapt and find creative solutions in teaching.

  When I first started teaching, I realized that English was not the first language of the students at this school. I felt a little anxious but also challenged to find a way to continue carrying out the lessons effectively. I realized that this was an opportunity to hone my non-verbal communication skills and create an inclusive learning environment.

  I started using various visual aids such as images, videos, and presentation slides to help in understanding concepts. I also use body language more often while speaking in English and facial expressions to communicate my message more clearly. I speak more slowly and repeatedly to ensure students understand the instructions and lesson material in class and in the field. I even prepared a learning plan that included learning English with the topic of health education. Even so, the lesson was very conducive, full of enthusiasm, and of course the students could understand what I meant.

  In addition, I try to incorporate interactive elements in learning, such as games, roles, and practical activities, which allow students to participate actively without getting too caught up in the language. This helps create higher engagement and facilitates understanding of the material.

  During this time, I also started learning a few words in Thai to help communicate with students and illustrate that I appreciated their culture and background. This strengthens my relationships with students and helps create a more positive learning atmosphere.

   Although the challenge of communicating with students who do not understand English can be frustrating at first, this experience taught me the importance of persistence, flexibility, and empathy in education. Over time, I feel I have become more adept at dealing with these situations, and this experience will always be a valuable memory in my journey as an educator. It reminded me of the power of education in overcoming language and cultural barriers and taught valuable lessons about how we can overcome communication barriers in situations that may be unfamiliar.

  I also immersed myself in the beautiful culture of Thailand and Lampang. I learned about local traditions, special foods, and language. This helps me build stronger relationships with students and the local community. I feel very lucky to be able to experience the warmth and friendliness of the people in Lampang, Thailand.

      During my teaching practice at Lampang Sports School in the Sea Teacher program, I felt empowered by this experience. I feel I have made a real contribution to helping students integrate sustainability values into their lifestyles. This experience also helped me recognize the importance of culture and environment in education.

     I feel very grateful for this opportunity and inspired to continue contributing to the world of education that focuses on sustainability, culture, and sports. The week of teaching practice at Sea Teacher at Lampang Sports School was one of the greatest achievements in my educational journey, and will always be a precious memory in my life.