PRACTICUM JOURNAL

PRACTICUM WEEK : 1
DATE: 1ST FEBRUARY 2015 5TH FEBRUARY 2015
TITLE: FIRST WEEK IN SCHOOL, TIME MANAGEMENT and THE TEACHING OF
DUNIA SAINS dan TEKNOLOGI
1. PROBLEM
Alhamdulillah, my first week of practicum in SK ______________ had been quite
a different experience compared to my previous schools. The environment in urban
school such as in my new school, SK _______________ was completely different from
my previous experience in rural schools. The school headmaster and staffs however
had been very helpful and welcoming during our first day and throughout the whole
week. We had been introduced properly to the pupils during our first morning assembly
and it had helped me and my friend a lot in interacting with the school community
afterwards.
As for the lesson I conducted in my classroom, I was still unable to properly
conduct my lesson within the lime limit as allocated in the lesson plan. Given that I was
still not used to the level of the pupils in my classroom, I tend to sometimes
underestimate or overestimate the ability of my pupils which affect the kind of activity I
gave them in the classroom. More often than not, each activity exceeds the time limit
that I have set especially during practice stage. Aside from that, I also encountered
problem in trying to figure out the proper way to teach science concept and scientific
skills to my pupils. Since this was also my first time in teaching my pupils the Dunia
Sains dan Teknologi subject, I was overwhelmed by the differences in the teaching of
DST and English especially in terms of approach and lesson planning. It was completely
different and given my lack of knowledge and experience in the subject, I was worried
that I might even mislead my pupils during the lesson.

2. Suggestions for improvement

I need to be very careful with the allocation of time for every stage. The
activity that I have conducted in every stage must be relevant and suitable to the pupils
level. Utilizing the Krashen theory of i + 1 in every activity is important and by having a
frequent discussion with my mentor, I might have a better idea of the proficiency level of
the pupils in my class. I should also try to have a back-up plan or activity in case the
time allocated for each stage is too long and the pupils still have a lot of free time after
they finish their work. Other than that, setting a time limit and being firm on following
through with the allocated time are also good strategies to improve on my lesson time
management.
In term of DST teaching, I need to get more input from my science mentor and
also consult with my lecturer on matters that I found confusing. Familiarizing myself with
the lesson planning as well as application of strategies and approaches in teaching DST
is of utmost importance and other than discussing on the details with my mentor and
lecturer, I also need to do my own homework and search for more information on my
own. A good discussion and sharing of ideas among my friends and myself would also
provide me with a better understanding regarding the teaching of DST.
3.Period of time
Within a week, I was able to have a clearer view of my pupils level of proficiency
through observation and discussion with my mentor. I have also been able to observe
my pupils habit and preferences as well as competency in doing their work through the
activities that I have conducted in the classroom. The findings provided me with useful
information on the kind of activity that my pupils love to do and the suitable pace that I
should carry out my lesson in.
As for DST teaching, I have discussed and take a look at the works of my other
friends during their lesson. I have at least caught a glimpse of what should and should
not be done during the lesson and I have also managed to see the flow of the teaching
and the important elements that I need to take care of during DST lesson such as my
approaches and teaching aids.

4.Evaluation on successfulness
I would ask my supervisors and my mentors to give their comments and advice
to improve myself.
5. Further action.
I have to closely monitor the progress of my pupil and the use of time in my
classroom. I need to truly assess the differences in the rate of completing the task
among my pupils as well as its relation to the complexity of the task. As for DST
teaching, I need to be more familiar with my lesson planning in DST as well as the
approaches in teaching DST. I need to consult with my mentor and ask for a second
opinion on the activities that I conduct in my classroom. Other than that, I need to
independently search for more information regarding DST teaching from various other
sources such as books and internet.

Prepared by,
__________________
( ____________________ )

Evaluated by,
_________________________
(MR. ____________________)