REFLECTIVE JOURNAL WEEK 1

( 13th April 2015 till 17th April 2015)

STUDENTS NAME

: ABDUL AZIZ AFKAR BIN MOHD RAWI

GROUP

: PISMP TESL JANUARY 2013

SCHOOLS NAME

: SK TAMAN TUN DR ISMAIL (1)

DATE

: 19TH APRIL 2015

Problem
This is the first week of my practicum and also my very first practicum. I did my practicum at
Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Tun Dr. Ismail (1) which is located at near One Utama. I am
responsible in teaching year 2 Intan. Plus, my cooperative teacher is Puan Roslina Binti
Mohd Noor. I managed to meet her and also had time to do ice breaking session. Even
though Puan Roslina has been very kind and friendly to me, I still feel nervous as this is my
first time doing practicum. Furthermore, there were many questions that I have asked myself
and it always worried me. For example, will I be able to meet my lecturer and my cooperative
teachers expectations? Will I be able to carry out what I have planned successfully? How
will the students react to my teaching and learning activities? In addition, I managed to
observe my cooperative teacher during the fourth day of school.
Analysis
In my opinion, the problem may arise due to the lack of mental and physical preparation in
facing all the obstacles to meet my vision of becoming a great teacher with exceptional
qualities. Thus, it is crystal clear that I do not have experience and I need to work hard in
order to excel in my career. I could learn from the dedicated and enthusiastic lecturers of
IPBA, my cooperative teacher or from the senior English teachers in SK Taman Tun Dr
Ismail (1) who are always ready to lend their hands. In my opinion, the microteaching
session that I used to do during my study can help me to excel in my teaching as it helps me
to do the preparation before entering the class.

Suggestions For Improvement

There are several ways that could be done to overcome the problem mentioned earlier:

I must make a proper mental and physical preparation by reading a lot of materials

related to motivation and pedagogical approaches in education.

I need to seek help and support from my supervising lecturer, my cooperative teacher,
the senior teachers or those who are more experienced, to discuss on the best way to

overcome my problems and anxieties. I need to have faith in myself.

I have to learn to cope with the new atmosphere by taking it positively to ensure that I
can manage my core business successfully even though I undergo loads of obstacles
and have too many commitments to meet. I will not let any of these problems bog me
down. I have to be strong and persevere despite of having tonnes of school workload

and time constraint due to the lack of opportunity to focus on my practicum duty.
I need to re-schedule my time management in order to carry out my responsibilities
efficiently. If I cannot do my work during the day, then I will do it in the middle of the night.

Duration
I will try to overcome my problems as soon as possible; that is prior to week two of
practicum. I realize that if I am unable to manage the major problems that I am facing this
week, it could jeopardize my capability of performing my practicum duty and delivering the
teaching and learning activity effectively. The problems can also interrupt other crucial tasks
that I need to carry out in school.
Assessment Of Success
I will need the assistance from my supervising lecturer, cooperating teacher and practicum
mates to assess the effectiveness and success of my handling the problems. I will also need
to do some self- assessment to solve these matters.
Further Action
I will think of ways to deal with my problems from time to time. I will always seek guidance
and help from my supervising lecturer and cooperative teacher who have been wonderful
assistance so far. I will also ask for advice and support from other teachers, and not
forgetting my beloved family; to make sure that my problems can be overcame.

Conclusion / Reflection

Every cloud has a silver lining. I will work hard and do my level best in order to become a
great teacher in the near future. According to Joshua J. Marine, Challenges are what make
life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

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REFLECTIVE JOURNAL WEEK 2

( 20th APRIL 2015 till 24th APRIL 2015 )
STUDENTS NAME

: ABDUL AZIZ AFKAR BIN MOHD RAWI

GROUP

: PISMP TESL JANUARY 2013

SCHOOLS NAME

: SK TAMAN TUN DR ISMAIL (1)

DATE

: 25TH APRIL 2015

Problem
This week, I have some problem in preparing my lesson plan. This is because I still do not
acquire the enough skill to do the lesson plan quickly. It is hard to device the teaching and
learning activity so that it will coincide with the curriculum specifications and the learning
objectives stipulated in the lesson plan. Plus, I also have problem in finding the ideas that
can be implemented into my teaching and learning session. I really hope that I can make my
pupils enjoy and at the same time get the new knowledge.
When preparing my lesson plan, I have a lot of questions and doubts popping into my mind;
Is the activity suitable for my students? What should I plan for the Closure stage? The Set
Induction stage takes only 2-5 minutes, but why did I take forever to come out with a suitable
activity? Does the activity provide a lead-in to the next activity? How and where should I
apply the strategies and ideas suggested by the reference books and the websites that I
referred to? Does my lesson objectives can be achieved? On top of that, I need to prepare
the teaching aids that will complement my lesson plan, which is also time consuming.
I also have problem in managing my class discipline level as most of the pupils are very
active and talk so much. Plus, there are pupils who refused to participate during the teaching
and learning activity.
Analysis
My short of ideas in finding the best method to be implemented in my teaching and learning
activity may be due to my lack of experience and efficacy in developing a good lesson plan. I
also have problem in preparing the lesson plan as I admit I am not a creative teacher
trainee.

Suggestions For Improvement

There are several ways that could be done to overcome the problem mentioned earlier:

I must read a lot of materials related to motivation and pedagogical approaches in

education.
I need to seek help and support from my supervising lecturer, my cooperating teacher,
the senior teachers or those who are more experienced, to discuss on the best way to

overcome my difficulties.
Do a lot of homework in how to devise an excellent lesson plan.
Manage my time wisely.
Introduce classroom rules.
Devise interesting activities
Provide more pupils-centred activities

Duration
I will try to overcome my problems soonest possible; that is prior to week three of practicum.
I realize that if I am unable to manage these problems immediately, the situation might spoil
and jeopardize the achievement of the learning objectives in the teaching and learning
activity that is planned in the daily lesson plan.
Assessment Of Success
I will need the assistance from my supervising lecturer, cooperative teacher and colleagues
to assess the effectiveness and success of my handling the problems. I will also need to do
some self- assessment to solve these matters.
Further Action
In the preparation of a daily lesson plan, I need to be resourceful in planning activities which
will suit the curriculum specifications and the learning objectives within the time stipulated. I
will always seek guidance and help from my supervising lecturer and cooperative teacher
who have been very helpful and motivating.

Conclusion / Reflection

I spent an inordinate amount of time writing neatly organized lesson plans. I think it is good
because it forces me to think about things like how long an activity should take, what the
goal is, and what kind of interaction it involves. According to Katie, a TEFL teacher, in her
article Lesson Plans: Tips for New Teachers, teachers do need to prepare. I also will learn
and do a lot of work to learn how to manage my classrooms discipline from my supervising
lecturer, cooperative teacher and also from others as classroom management is essential in
ensuring a productive lesson.

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REFLECTIVE JOURNAL WEEK 3

( 27th APRIL 2015 till 1ST MAY 2015 )
STUDENTS NAME

: ABDUL AZIZ AFKAR BIN MOHD RAWI

GROUP

: PISMP TESL JANUARY 2013

SCHOOLS NAME

: SK TAMAN TUN DR ISMAIL (1)

DATE

: 2ND MAY 2015

Problem
It was already week three but I still have problem with choosing the right activities for the
teaching and learning sessions. This is because I noticed that during some of my activities
there were pupils who were participating while the others remain silent or do their own work.
Sometimes I spent hours thinking the right activities to suit my pupils learning styles. Plus, I
also have to think the activities that can make my LINUS pupils participate. However, the
most important thing for me is to devise a meaningful lesson and at the same time my pupils
can enjoy the lesson. I also worried that my teaching styles can make my pupils get boring
and fed up with me. Plus, I still have problem in keeping my pupils focus on their task and
behave during the lesson. Besides, I also have problem in controlling my nervous when I am
being observed by my cooperative teacher or my supervising lecturer.
Analysis
The problem continues to exist because I still lack in devising an interesting activities for my
pupils. Plus, I also still have problem in controlling my pupils behaviour because I still lack in
experience in handling the misbehaviour pupils. The problem also still exist because pupils
still do not aware about the classroom rules that I have underlined. In addition, I also noticed
that my pupils were very motivated in participating especially during set induction as I usually
starts my lesson by playing games. Furthermore, I also noticed that some of the pupils starts
to misbehave if they found the activities that I have conducted are boring and too easy for
them. In contrary, it also happens to the pupils who are less proficient in English. When the
pupils who are less proficient in English found that my lesson is quite challenging, they will
start to refuse to participate and do their own work. However, I managed to found the activity
that can make most of the pupils to participate which is mix and match. I noticed that most
of the pupils really enjoying the activity and even the less proficient in English really love the
activity. In addition, I also noticed that the pupils really motivated when I introduced I-think
tools to them.
Suggestions For Improvement
There are several ways that could be done to overcome the problem mentioned earlier:

I need to make an in-depth thinking while preparing for the activity to be implemented in
my teaching and learning session. I have to imagine the real situation and ask myself,

How will the students respond towards this activity?

I need to implement and devise more student-centred activities.
I have to make a lot of research by referring to plenty of reference books and the internet

before coming up with an activity.

I need to discuss with my supervising lecturer and also cooperative teacher before

conducting a lesson.
I need to control my nervous when I am being observed by my supervising lecturer or
cooperative teacher.

Duration
I will try to overcome my problems as soon as possible as next week is my last week of
practicum. I am aware that if I am unable to manage these problems immediately, the
situation might spoil and jeopardize the achievement of the learning objectives in the
teaching and learning activity that is planned in the daily lesson plan.
Assessment Of Success
I will need the assistance from my supervising lecturer, cooperative teacher and my
practicum mates to assess the effectiveness and success of my handling the problems. I will
also need to do some reflection upon my teaching.
Further Action
I need to implement more student-centred activities in order to keep my pupils motivation
level. I also need to make my pupils aware about the classroom rules and will make sure
they adhere to the rules. I also need to devise more i-think tools activity as m pupils really
love the activity. I need to be resourceful in planning activities which will suit the curriculum
specifications and the learning objectives within the time stipulated. I will always seek
guidance and help from my supervising lecturer, my cooperating teacher and other
colleagues who have been wonderful assistance so far. I need to be bold in trying new ideas
and be optimist by giving my students chances to get involved in the new activities.

Conclusion / Reflection
I realize that I need to learn more and work very hard to prepare myself in facing obstacles
and challenges in becoming a successful English teacher. I always have to remind myself
that trial and error goes a long way towards perfecting my teaching style. Laugh at yourself,

but don't ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you embark for strange places,
don't leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory.

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REFLECTIVE JOURNAL WEEK 4

( 4th May 2015 till 8th May 2015 )
STUDENTS NAME

: ABDUL AZIZ AFKAR BIN MOHD RAWI

GROUP

: PISMP TESL JANUARY 2013

SCHOOLS NAME

: SK TAMAN TUN DR ISMAIL (1)

DATE

: 8th May 2015

Problem
This week I did revision with the pupils as they will sit for their examination next week. I did
revision on Growing Plants as I feel that the pupils need to focus on the topic more. There is
no major problem except classroom management. I also still have problem in managing the
time during preparing the lesson plan and during the teaching and learning session.
Analysis
The difficulties of preparing a lesson plan and classroom management are due to my lack of
experience and efficacy in organizing my time.
Suggestions For Improvement
There are several ways that could be done to overcome the problem mentioned earlier:

I must learn more from the senior teachers on how they control their classroom.
I need to seek help and support from my supervising lecturer, my cooperating teacher,
the senior teachers or those who are more experienced, to discuss on the best way to
overcome my difficulties.
I need to re-schedule my time management in order to carry out my responsibilities
efficiently. I will grab every opportunity that permits me to give more focus on the
teaching and learning activity.

Duration
I will try to overcome my problems soonest possible as I need to prepare myself for the next
phases of practicum.
Assessment Of Success
I will need the assistance from my supervising lecturer, cooperative teacher and colleagues
to assess the effectiveness and success of my handling the problems. I will also need to do
some self- assessment to solve these matters.
Further Action
In the preparation of a daily lesson plan, I need to be resourceful in planning activities which
will suit the curriculum specifications and the learning objectives within the time stipulated. I
will always seek guidance and help from my supervising lecturer and cooperating teacher
who have been wonderful assistance so far.
Conclusion / Reflection
As a teacher, I need to increase my knowledge on how to save time without sacrificing the
quality of my teaching. I need to learn how to manage my classroom as it is vital to have a
proper classroom management. In addition, Jennifer Wagaman in her article Organization

and Time Management for Teachers stated that organizing our work and prioritizing our time
will help us catch up, keep up and even get ahead in our busy life as a teacher. Lastly,
Don't agonize. Organize. Florynce Kennedy

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REFLECTIVE JOURNAL WEEK 5

( 24 February 2014 till 28th February 2104 )
th

STUDENTS NAME

: HAZMAN BIN MOHAMMAD

GROUP

: PISMP TESL

SCHOOLS NAME

: SK USJ 12

DATE

: 28TH FEBRUARY 2014

Problem
This week, I am having problem dealing with the time management when conducting
activities during the teaching and learning session in class. The problem was related to
students involvement in the activities that was planned in class. The students were
cooperative and putting a lot of efforts in carrying out the activities that were assigned to
them. However, the class has been a little too noisy when everybody wanted to answer a
question at the same time especially during the brainstorming activity. Furthermore, students
were unable to keep up with the time allotted to complete the activities that have been given;
particularly in group work activities. This matter has interrupted the flow of teaching and
learning session.
As a person who is new in teaching English, I knew that it is not easy to plan an activity for
the students. When I plan a lesson, I always assume that students will be able to do the
activities that I have planned within the time allocated. But when the lesson was tested, I
found that my assumption was wrong as students required more time to do the activity. For
instance, this week I planned an activity in which students, in groups, were only required to
write only five sentences in 10 minutes based on a picture of a flood scene. When the lesson
was tested to my class, 3 Bestari, I found that most students were having difficulties to write
even one sentence even though I have given words that they could use to help them come
up with a sentence. They were not able to complete their work on time. Since I was running
out of time, only two groups were able to present their work. After the two groups had
finished with their presentation, I merely corrected their work without even explaining their
mistakes as there was not enough time to do so.
Analysis
This problem exists because I was being very soft to students in terms of keeping up with
the time in doing the activities in the teaching and learning session. In addition, I felt that I
have failed to give clear and accurate instructions prior to the activities. This has caused
students to have difficulties in carrying out the activities because they did not get a clear
picture of what they were supposed to do.
The problem worsens when some students in groups have different opinions and
disagreements in completing a task. I guess that since they are still kids, they are being
intolerant, defensive, hard-headed and opinionated. As a result of their immature behaviour,
they were not able to solve their dispute and finish the task within the given time because
they refused to give and take. The only things that they could do to solve their
disagreements were by quarrelling, pointing fingers, making long faces and in the end
refusing to continue their work. The time given to complete their work was just wasted and
flew away like dust.

Some groups were having difficulties in writing even a sentence. I found that these groups
were too scared to make mistakes and kept asking me whether or not the sentences were
correct. I knew that as a teacher who acts as a facilitator, I should be there whenever my
students need me during the teaching and learning activity but in this situation I felt that
things went overboard. They have really annoyed me and tried my patience. Even though I
have reassured them that their work was going to be checked later, they continued to bug
me to check their answers. Were the students showing good signs of having much interest
and enthusiasm in the activity? I am still vague with the answer but all I can say is, their
attitude has caused them to work exceeding the time limit and hindered them from
completing their work.
Suggestions For Improvement
There are several ways that could be done to overcome the problem mentioned earlier:
I should be firm with students when it comes to work within the time limits. I should
always remind students about keeping up with the time allocated.
I should give simple and clear instructions to students before asking them to carry out
certain task during the teaching and learning session so that they fully understand
what are they required to do.
I need to seek help and support from my supervising lecturer, my cooperating
teacher, the senior teachers or those who are more experienced, to discuss on the
best way to overcome my difficulties related to time management and how to handle
peer disagreements in the class.
I need to inculcate good cooperation and teamwork among students.
I will continue to do more research from the reference books and the internet to find
the best activities that can be applied in my lessons so that students will not get
bored in learning English.
Duration
Planning an activity for students of different abilities and dealing with students attitudes and
weaknesses are no easy tasks. However, I am sure that all these problems can be
overcome if I continue to work hard to improve my lessons. To be honest, I need to give
myself some time to enhance and develop my teaching skills as planning good lessons
require a lot of trials and errors.
Assessment Of Success
After having a discussion with my cooperating teacher regarding on the improvements that I
could do with the similar lesson that I had with 3 Bestari, Cik Mahmuroozayah had given
some suggestions which I think are interesting and will be attention-grabbing. One of the
suggestions is I need to provide question prompts that will help students to produce
sentences to describe a picture. She had also suggested that I carry out the Gallery Walk
activity instead of conventionally asking students to present their work in front of the class as
the latter may cause embarrassments and can be somewhat unnerving to the groups who
presented.
Further Action
As mentioned earlier, it takes time to be a great teacher. I will continue to do more research
from the reference books and the internet to find the best activities that can be applied in my
lessons so that students will not get bored stiff in learning English. I will also continue to seek

help and support from my supervising lecturer, my cooperating teacher, the senior teachers
or those who are more experienced, to discuss on the best way to overcome my difficulties
related to time management and how to handle peer disagreements in the class.
Conclusion / Reflection
What makes a good teacher? This is one of the most common questions for teachers but the
answers are rarely the same. A good teacher, as for me, should improve his/her teaching
skills day by day in order to adapt new teaching methods. According to Ajit Singh Nagpal, an
ESL teacher, a good teacher is someone who is able to relate to his/her students. He/She
should be able to understand the needs of his/her students and should be adequately
equipped to impart his/her knowledge and experience with passion. A good teacher never
stops teaching. He/She is a teacher for life. A good teacher is also a student for life, one
who will continue to seek out new methods and techniques to impart his/her knowledge to
his/her students.
I think, at times, I was carried away with my negative emotions towards my students. When I
come to think about it, I should not feel this way towards them. I need to understand the
needs of my students, how they learn in order to help them in that process. I need to trigger
their curiosity and provide them with the necessary tools to continue learning. John Ruskin
quotes, "Education is a painful, continual and difficult work to be done in kindness, by
watching, by warning, by praise, but above all -- by example."
Well, to conclude, teaching English is not as easy as ABC.

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REFLECTIVE JOURNAL WEEK 6

( 2nd September till 6th September 2013 )
STUDENTS NAME

: HAZMAN BIN MOHAMMAD

GROUP

: PISMP TESL

SCHOOLS NAME

: SK SETAPAK

DATE

: 6TH SEPTEMBER 2013

Problem
This week was quite exhausting as I need to run here and there to get all the high priority
work done on time. As anticipated, I could not get the practicum portfolio even started.
Analysis
This problem may exist due to my ineffective time management skills. Sometimes, I refuse to
blame 100% on myself when things do not go well as planned because there are certain
time when suddenly so many things need to be accomplished at the same time.
Suggestions For Improvement
There are several ways that could be done to overcome the problem mentioned earlier:

I should get organized and prioritize all my work properly.

I need to seek help and support from my supervising lecturer, my cooperating
teacher, the senior teachers or those who are more experienced, to discuss on the
best way to overcome my difficulties.
Duration

I will start on my practicum portfolio during the one week school holiday. I may not be able to
complete everything that needs to be placed in the portfolio but at least I will do the weekly
journal writing.
Assessment Of Success
I will need the assistance from my cooperating teacher and colleagues to assess the
effectiveness and success of my handling the problems. I will also need to do some selfassessment to solve these matters.
Further Action
I will update my practicum portfolio from time to time and work hard on finishing all my work
on time. I should utilize every opportunity that comes to complete my work. I try not to
procrastinate in getting all my duty done. I will always seek guidance and help from my
supervising lecturer, my cooperating teacher and other colleagues who have been wonderful
assistance so far.

Conclusion / Reflection
Honestly, I can sometimes be a bit of a procrastinator. Every so often, after an exhausting
day at work, I would get engrossed with Facebook or watch some of my favourite movies
even though I knew that I still have a lot of work to do. Can I call that procrastination or just a
way of rewarding myself after a long hectic day? Whatever it is called, the first thing I need to

do is decide upon my goal. I need to learn to manage my time better. I should not wait until
tomorrow to start. As quoted by Abraham Lincoln, "The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the
man of every other calling, is diligence. Leave nothing for to-morrow which can be done today."

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