Dear Mandy,
Practicum ended last Friday, and if anything, it was a very challenging and steep learning curve, but one that I left fraught with much emotion, purpose, and questions in my mind. Positive and negative alike.
I guess the greatest impact made on me were by the students. I absolutely love 3-3 and 3A1, and who can compare to my ever wonderful 2-3? I guess as I reflected on my lessons with them, I know that my motivation to improve as a teacher is because I want to see these children excel. To see them do well beyond their expectations, and to find confidence in their abilities above any other. They are people of potential, and they are beloved children of God, and I am quietly anticipative to know how well they'll fare.
Of course, I thank God that I'm in a very cooperative and helpful English Department! My CTs, Han Tong and Mrs. Hairul are amazing, and I think I like working in the environment that aids in nurturing and developing their personnel. I guess I really thank God for the favour that He has blessed me with? And with the kids and with the teachers, I realise that it is unmerited favour, and definitely not one to be taken lightly.
Then, there are the lessons themselves and the CCA that I'm taking.. much to learn, much to improve.
But then, a few questions come into my mind.
What can I do to improve myself as a teacher so that I can improve them as people. Syllabus development vs wholistic education is an ongoing debate that will hardly ever end, and so it is with much thought that I daresay this... Do what benefits the students most. Wholistic education merged with syllabus development is never easy, but I guess that it can be done.
That being said, this practicum period has really taught me much, but it also showed me that I need to start being realistic. I cannot run the way I used to, and if I am called to teach, then I need to make concession and arrange my priorities in different ways and manners. I'm still praying and asking God to illuminate the way for me in certain areas, but in the same way, I also see my character flaws, and I'm also asking the Lord to change me to be more like Him.
I am tired though.. I think that it's been a long 10 weeks, and there is a need to take a breather before I bounce back into the fray. =)