JOURNAL

: PRACTICUM PHASE II

WEEK

:3

DATE

: 09/08-13/08/2015

ISSUE

: SUITABILITY OF THE ACTVIVITIES WITH PUPILS

1.0 PROBLEM
In the third week, I realised that I have trouble with planning the right activities for the
teaching and learning sessions. This problem occurs before every lesson took place. I am
facing difficulties to come out with a suitable activity for the level of my students and I am
spending inordinate time to think and plan the activity. Coincidently, my partner also struggle
the same problems with me. For that reason, We always at a loss of thinking, searching and
finding ideas of varying the activities for our teaching and learning sessions that will suit our
students level. This problem really troubles me as I am worried that students will be bored
stiff with the techniques and methods that I normally apply in class.

2.0 ANALYSIS
This problem exist because I am thinking too much about my practicum duty and at the
same time, I also need to accomplish other school workload that has been assigned to me
and fulfill my duty as a teacher in this school. I have bought many books and do a lot of
research from the internet to find teaching ideas for my lesson. I know that the teaching and
learning session is trial and error lesson for me to see whether or not an idea is suitable for
my students. However, I am still scared to put the ideas to the test because I always think
that the activities suggested are not suitable for my students level and that they will not
enjoy the activities. Besides that, pupils levels of proficiency in my classroom are different.
This problem makes me feel guilty towards my students as I think that I might not deliver my
lesson well.

3.0 SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT

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

(a) I need to make an in-depth thinking while preparing for the activity to be implemented in
my teaching and learning session.
(b) 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.
(c) I have to make a lot of research by referring to plenty of reference books and the internet
before coming up with any suitable activity.

4.0 DURATION
I will try to overcome my problems as soon as possible; that is prior to week four of
practicum. I realize that if I am unable to manage these problems immediately, the situation
might cause several pupils do not interested. There might be a low achievement of the
learning objectives in the teaching and learning activity that is planned in the daily lesson
plan too.

5.0 ASSESSMENT OF SUCCESS

I will need the assistance from my cooperating teacher and colleagues to assess the
effectiveness and success of me while handling the problems. I will also need to do some
self- assessment to solve these matters.

6.0 FURTHER ACTION

I need to be resourceful in planning activities which will suit the curriculum specifications and
the learning objectives within the time stimulated. 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 that are fun and interesting.

7.0 CONCLUSION / REFLECTION

I realize that I am still new in teaching English. I always have to remember that trial and error
goes a long way towards perfecting my teaching style. So, I need to ask questions when I
am struggling. Alan Alda, an American actor, director and screenwriter in the 70s and 80s,
quotes: 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.