Practicum Starterpack 🏫

And so, she has finally published her first post!

Greetings to both new educators and seasoned professionals (who might be reading this for a bit of fun). I recently completed my practicum at one of Malaysia’s top-performing schools, and it was an incredible experience that taught me so much. I must admit, during my first month, I was a bit socially awkward, especially around the more experienced teachers, as we came from different generations—Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. However, I’m grateful to say that I grew significantly; I became more socially confident, more physically active, and stopped overthinking so much! I feel it would be a shame to keep these insights to myself, so here are a few things I learned during my practicum—things I wish someone had told me beforehand.

Among Colleagues

1. Practicum Teacher = Newcomer

Remember, as a newcomer, it’s important to stay humble. Regardless of your qualifications, whether you have a Master’s or a PhD, approach your role with humility. Make an effort to greet everyone—teachers, other staff, and even the acik kantin (canteen staff) and acik tukang sapu (cleaning staff). Be kind, approachable, and friendly to all.

2. Learn to Engage in Small Talk

No matter how socially awkward you may feel, it’s crucial to step out of your comfort zone. Being a teacher requires you to be approachable and skilled in conversation. Start with simple questions like, “Akak dah makan?” (Have you eaten?), “Harini lauk apa kat kantin?” (What’s for lunch at the canteen today?), or “Baru habis kelas ke kak?” (Just finished class?). Small talk can often lead to deeper conversations. This advice applies across all generations, by the way.

3. Be Kind to Everyone, Not Just Your Fellow Interns

While bonding with your internmates is important, don’t forget to build relationships with the teachers who have more experience and knowledge. I’m not suggesting you abandon your intern friends; instead, aim to befriend everyone in the school. For example, if your friends are busy, why not join other teachers for lunch? This can help expand your network and foster better relationships.

4. Offer Your Help

This is extremely important. Teachers may not always ask for help, but if you offer, they’ll likely appreciate it. You could help with grading papers, preparing certificates, or organizing materials. If you notice a teacher struggling with tech issues, such as using certain features on their laptops, offer to assist. Your willingness to help will not go unnoticed.

5. Bring Food

This one is optional. At my previous school, teachers often brought food for breakfast—nasi goreng, sandwiches, and super sweet teh tarik! Instead of just enjoying the food others bring, consider taking turns with your internmates to bring something. While not required, it shows thoughtfulness and good manners. Bringing food even once a month could make a positive impression.

6. Stay Neutral and Avoid Taking Sides

During my practicum, I made a point of not getting too close to any specific group, whether it was the teachers or my fellow interns. I kept to myself and engaged in small talk with those around me. Inevitably, there will be gossip and cliques; it’s best not to engage. If you hear something, just listen without commenting. Stay neutral and be friendly with everyone, even those who may not be well-liked. As a newcomer, it’s wise to avoid getting involved in unnecessary drama.

7. Set Boundaries

I found it essential to set boundaries during my practicum. While it’s good to be kind, you shouldn’t let yourself be taken advantage of. Maintain self-respect and establish clear boundaries with colleagues and students. For instance, I didn’t allow colleagues to follow my personal social media accounts until I was nearing the end of my practicum. It might seem a bit strict, but it’s better to be cautious. You can be friendly and approachable at school, but it’s wise to keep your personal life private until you’re comfortable.

8. Dress Appropriately and Comfortably

Personally, I prefer wearing attire that allows for easy movement, like clothes that enable me to take big steps or walk quickly. I avoid baju kurung with tight skirts, as they make it difficult to move or climb stairs efficiently. Choose practical and comfortable clothing that suits the active nature of the job. It’s also important to maintain good hygiene. If you struggle with body odor, make sure to address it before your practicum begins—consider changing your deodorant or choosing clothing made from different materials. Remember, your attire and personal presentation reflect your professional image, and you don’t want to be perceived negatively because of it.

Among Student

1. Be Knowledgeable

As a teacher, your students rely on you for guidance and information, so it’s essential to be well-prepared and knowledgeable. Make sure you are ready to address any questions that come up in class, whether they’re directly related to the lesson or completely unexpected. Avoid putting yourself in a position where you appear uninformed. If you encounter a question you can’t answer, it’s okay to say, “I’ll get back to you on that once I have the answer.” During my practicum, I made a habit of anticipating potential questions while preparing my lessons so I could be ready with answers. It’s crucial to thoroughly understand your subject matter; as a teacher, you should aim to master the topics you’re teaching.

2. Maintain Boundaries

Establishing boundaries with students is extremely important. It might sound a bit unusual, but I recommend developing a distinct professional persona for the classroom. You should have the “real you” and the “teacher you.” Personally, I’m quite cheerful and easily make friends, even with the kids, but it’s important to maintain a level of professionalism that sets you apart from your students. You shouldn’t share the same demeanor or mindset as your students; remember to always act professionally.

3. Lead by Example

It’s easy to overlook, but as a teacher—even a practicum teacher—you need to remember that your students look up to you. They observe everything you do and say, using it as a model for their own behavior. For instance, when the national anthem, “Negaraku,” is playing, it’s important to stop whatever you’re doing and stand at attention. As a teacher, you shouldn’t be walking or talking during this time either. If you see a student walking while the anthem is playing, how would you correct them if they could easily reply, “But teacher, you didn’t stand still either”? Sometimes, even the smallest actions can have a significant impact on students’ manners.

4. Incorporate Games into Teaching

Every student has a unique learning style, but many of my students preferred learning through games. I noticed that even those who were usually sleepy or daydreaming became more engaged when I introduced games in the classroom. While textbooks are essential, try to design lessons that don’t rely on them throughout the entire class. This approach requires creativity. For example, if you’re teaching about crime, you could incorporate clues and codes into the lesson for students to solve by the end of class. You could even dress in a police uniform to capture their attention! There are countless ways to make lessons more engaging—just be creative!

5. Avoid Publicly Embarrassing Students

Never reprimand students in front of others, even if their behavior frustrates you. It’s best to address issues privately. Some students may not even realize their actions are wrong, so it’s important to handle these situations calmly. Think about how you would feel if you were scolded publicly—it can be very embarrassing, and many students feel the same way. If the entire class is acting out, address the group, but remain calm and avoid lengthy reprimands that might bore them. Keep it short, clear, and impactful. Remember, students are not your outlet for frustration; they are there to learn and feel supported.

6. Offer Praise

Everyone loves to be praised, and students are no exception. When a student does something good, even if it’s a small gesture, express your appreciation. A simple “Bagusnya!” (Well done!) can brighten their day. Even if their actions seem minor, showing kindness and gratitude can make a big difference. Make it a habit to recognize the positive in your students and acknowledge their efforts.

7. Prepare Activities for Relief Classes

Some teachers overlook preparing materials for relief classes. Instead of allowing students to do their own work or sleep, prepare engaging activities like word search puzzles, hidden object games, hangman, or spelling bees. These activities can keep students occupied, prevent them from wandering around or making noise, and ensure they remain engaged. It’s best not to rely on students to manage their own time, as they often don’t. Search for activities here; Fun Activities for Class Relief 🌵

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops“

Henry Adams

These are some of the key lessons I’ve learned over my five months of practicum. Enjoy exploring your passion for teaching! It’s okay to have imperfections, but make sure you take away valuable experiences from your time as a practicum teacher.

Strive to be both a great colleague and a dedicated teacher. Embrace the challenges, as they are opportunities for growth, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Every mistake is a chance to improve, and every success, no matter how small, is a step forward in your journey. Remember, teaching is as much about learning as it is about imparting knowledge—so be open, be curious, and most importantly, be yourself. Your students will appreciate the effort you put into becoming the best version of yourself, both inside and outside the classroom.

Feel free to share your own experiences in the comments section below!

Have fun teaching, and goodluck ❤️