Smiles found in Ban Mak Khaeng:
Teacher Andrea's Joyful Experience
A page where we got to meet the most
My month-long teaching practice in November 2023 proved to be both physically demanding and emotionally fulfilling, marking a transformative period in my journey as a pre-service teacher. To provide some background, I had already established a life as a 24-year-old woman who had initially entered the workforce before deciding to pursue a degree in education. Teaching was not my initial career choice, but my college years instilled in me a deep passion for the profession. A turning point came during my experience in Thailand, where I felt a profound calling to the teaching profession.
This pivotal moment made me realize that the Lord had orchestrated an authentic and challenging introduction to the realities of the teaching profession. My assignment placed me under the guidance of an exemplary educator, my Cooperating Teacher, affectionately known as Mom Khun A'. Serving as the head of the English Department for 9th Grade, she gracefully managed numerous responsibilities, including handling four classes and fulfilling the roles of a mother, adviser, and mentor. This experience not only solidified my commitment to becoming a teacher but also exposed me to the intricate and demanding facets of the profession through the lens of an exemplary mentor.
The SEA-TEP initially outlined a schedule where the first week was designated for observation, followed by an assistance phase. However, my teaching journey took an unexpected turn on the second day when my cooperating teacher, Mom Khun A' asked me to lead a lesson. Despite my initial doubts, I embraced the opportunity, and it marked the beginning of some of the happiest days of my life spent in the language classroom.
My foremost priority was tackling Classroom Management, a formidable task in an environment where I, as a foreign teacher, needed to establish trust, connection, and clear boundaries with the students. Fortunately, I was granted the freedom to assist my cooperating teacher actively. This involved moving around the classroom during her lectures and providing support to students during seatwork. This hands-on approach greatly contributed to building strong connections and trust with the students. When it was my turn to lead the class, I emphasized the boundaries of our teacher-student relationship, creating a harmonious balance that allowed them to express their thoughts while facilitating a conducive learning environment freely. This approach not only streamlined classroom management but also fostered a positive connection with the students, making each teaching session more effective and enjoyable.
Moving on to the aspect of time management and organizing activities, I received thorough guidance from my cooperating teacher regarding the established class structure in Thailand. Adhering to the Warm-up, Presentation, Practice, Product, and Wrap-up sequence significantly facilitated my ability to manage time effectively. Ensuring that each element of the lesson plan was executed within the confines of a 50-minute class became a priority, with flexibility allowed as long as all components were covered. In alignment with the overarching goal of "Enjoy Learning English with Teacher Andrea," I placed great emphasis on maintaining a dynamic and enjoyable learning environment. To achieve this, I incorporated engaging reading-aloud games into my lesson plans, prioritizing my students' enjoyment alongside the educational objectives.
During my stay, a focal point of my attention was directed toward refining my teaching procedures and pedagogies, recognizing the unique context of instructing English as a foreign language. To effectively convey lessons, I relied on methods such as translation, body language, video integration, and reading-aloud activities. Implementing translation in PowerPoint presentations required meticulous scrutiny by Thai speakers to ensure accuracy. Leveraging body language facilitated clearer communication, while the incorporation of videos enhanced engagement among students.
However, the most impactful approach in my teaching procedures proved to be reading aloud activities. This method not only enriched students' vocabulary and pronunciation but also deepened their understanding of the specific lesson for the day. The interactive nature of reading aloud made the learning process enjoyable for students, fostering a positive environment where they could learn from their mistakes without hesitation. This method empowered them to actively participate in their learning journey and instilled a sense of joy and accomplishment in the process.
Navigating through the challenges of teaching was far from a seamless experience; often, despite students claiming to understand, their expressions suggested otherwise. I recall a particular moment when a student requested, "Teacher, please speak Thai." Confronted with such hurdles, seeking assistance and feedback from my Cooperating Teacher proved invaluable. She imparted numerous strategies, emphasizing the use of videos, adjusting the pacing of my speech, and keenly attending to the individual needs of my students.
In the face of a classroom not entirely on the same page and the repetition of unsuccessful strategies, I learned the importance of pausing and resuming the lesson the following day. This approach, far from being detrimental, allowed for a reset and an opportunity to explore alternative teaching methods. The key was persevering until every student grasped the concept, ensuring that the energy and emotions reflected on their faces mirrored a genuine understanding of the material. Through this process, problem-solving became a dynamic aspect of my teaching journey, fostering adaptability and a commitment to student comprehension.
I consider this aspect to be the pinnacle of the entire program—gaining insight into the real challenges that unfold within a classroom. The unpredictability of student dynamics underscores the fact that educators cannot choose their students; rather, it is a responsibility that aligns with destiny. The program illuminated the profound truth that teaching entails embracing the unexpected and taking on the responsibility of shaping the educational experience for every student encountered.
