Summary and Suggestions

Purpose of Practicum

I was hesitant about joining in this program before because I wasn't in a stable financial situation and had no prior international travel experience. Due of cultural shock and language hurdles, I'm worried I wouldn't manage. And I am thankful that with the help of my supervisor, university faculty and staff, student buddies, my fellow Filipinos, new friends, and most importantly my family, who supported and encouraged me to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I made it and completed my four practice teachings in Vietnam.

This program is an excellent opportunity to showcase my teaching skills not just in our nation but across the country. It broadens perspectives, encourages cross-cultural connections, increases self-confidence, and improves problem-solving abilities. This experience has greatly enhanced my academic careers and personal growth, providing valuable insights into strategies, methodology, and classroom management.

Procedures of Practicum

Our practicum went smoothly because we had a guidebook provided by Dong Thap University where the general agenda, facilities, and tourist attractions were indicated. They also have a detailed agenda where our schedule for practice teachings, orientation, and other stuff is included.

Before going to the secondary school, we have an orientation on what we will expect throughout our stay and teaching Vietnam. We meet first with our supervisor in mathematics and discuss our teaching practice, curriculum, and other matters. Our supervisor gave us a reference book for our lessons with its translation so that it would be easy for us to understand and make a lesson. Next, the lesson plan was made, and they gave a guide or sample. After making a lesson plan, I send it right away to our supervisor for checking and giving comments and suggestions. After revising, I planned and prepared my instructional materials and presentation. For the presentation, I'll send it again to the supervisor for checking and correcting the translation.

In the actual delivery of the lesson, I follow the lesson plan. Start with preliminary activities, developmental activities, discussing new concepts, developing mastery, concluding activities, and evaluation. For discussion, I present many examples in order that they understand and encourage them to answer and raise hands for clarifications and questions.

Outcomes of Practicum

It was successful for me because I saw those sweet smiles from my supervisor, evaluator, and especially my students. I am satisfied with my performance because I didn't encounter a lot of difficulties or problems with my students, supervisor, or colleagues. I am thankful to my students because they cooperated and participated in my lesson and were able to experience how teacher Vienna teaches.

Challenges of Practicum

I had many difficulties throughout the practicum, some of which are listed below:

Schedule. I have a daily schedule. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I need to study my lesson and provide myself adequate time to create a lesson plan.
Language. The language is my biggest issue because Vietnamese is the language they use to teach mathematics. I'm worried that my lesson wasn't understood by my students.
Students. When we engage in a group activity or game, they make noise. Sometimes they don't say anything; they simply sit and stare at you without responding. I'm occasionally unsure of whether they understand me or not.
Transportation. I have to wait for the bus for a while, so going to school is really difficult. Booking a taxi is more expensive than taking the bus.
Self. Sometimes I think too much about what might happen if I fail. I eventually got through that.

Overall Impression

For me, this program is excellent. It benefits us in many ways, including our ability to learn and grow and our ability to meet new people. I got to learn about Vietnamese culture. I was able to be independent, manage my time and money well, and find solutions to my own problems. I am grateful for the SEAMEO program since I can actually observe my growth. As a result of realizing that I can improve our educational system, I am more inspired to teach students and serve as an example for them.

I will never forget this experience, especially the location, people, food, culture, and novel encounters.

Suggestions for Future Improvement

I think they should have an orientation first. So that, student-teachers know about the place where they will be assigned and what they need to expect.
The receiving school must have concrete schedule and planned activities for the trips.