TEACHING PRACTICE

My journey as a student intern at SMP Islam Al Azhar 14 Semarang taught me a lot, especially in the field of teaching. Before discussing my teaching experience, I would like to highlight my experience staying at the school. This school helped me realize the importance of morning greetings before entering the campus—something I experienced for the first time. Aside from that, I also appreciated how responsible the students are. They truly embody the values of camaraderie, friendship, and politeness, despite the language barrier.

MORNING GREETINGS

FIRST WEEK OF TEACHING INTERNSHIP

The first week of my teaching internship was full of amazement and surprising experiences—from the school tour to the innovative presentations by the 7th and 9th grade classes. I truly admire their advancement in terms of technology use. The school promotes and uses innovative technologies that help students learn, explore their capabilities, and discover their skills.

PRESENTATION OF WORK

TEACHING PRACTICE

During the first week of my teaching practicum, which was designated for observation, I was highly impressed by the advanced educational system at SMP Al Azhar in Indonesia. To provide a brief overview, the junior high school (JHS) level at this institution comprises Grades 7 through 9, and I was assigned to teach across all three grade levels.

Throughout the observation period, particularly during classroom activities, I was struck by the students’ level of intelligence and academic engagement. They were able to engage in meaningful discussions and complete a complex activity in just less than 30 minutes—an impressive feat considering the difficulty of the task. What stood out even more was that they accomplished this without the use of calculators, relying solely on their textbooks, notebooks, and pens.

During my time handling the class, I consistently began each session by settling the students and introducing myself in both English and Bahasa Indonesia, as I was responsible for teaching both the regular and bilingual classes.

Following the introduction, I clearly explained the classroom rules and expectations. Establishing these guidelines early on helped ensure effective classroom management and facilitated a smooth and orderly learning environment. We then proceeded with the recitation of IMTAQ, which served as a moment of reflection and preparation for the upcoming lesson.

Subsequently, I conducted an introductory activity and presented the lesson objectives—an essential step in guiding the teaching and learning process.

Admittedly, my initial teaching experience was challenging, particularly with the need to translate instructional content between English and Bahasa Indonesia. However, with the support and cooperation of my students, the lessons progressed effectively. According to the students, they not only gained knowledge of the subject matter but also acquired new English vocabulary, improved their manners, and were introduced to a different teaching approach.

To conclude each lesson, I provided activities designed to reinforce the material covered, promote meaningful connections, and enhance students’ critical thinking skills.

Throughout my teaching practicum, I employed a variety of instructional materials to support the effective delivery of my lessons. One of the primary tools I utilized was PowerPoint presentations. These presentations not only facilitated the clear and organized delivery of content but also enabled the incorporation of interactive elements designed to capture students’ attention and maintain their engagement.

In addition to visual aids, I integrated educational games into my teaching strategies—an approach I consider a best practice, particularly in the context of mathematics instruction. These games served not only to create an enjoyable learning environment but also to promote active student participation, enhance communication skills, and develop students’ critical and analytical thinking abilities.

A notable example of this was the implementation of a game called “NASI AYAM,” which became a highlight of my internship experience. This game provided a refreshing and enjoyable learning experience, allowing students to engage with the material in a relaxed and motivating atmosphere.

Finally, I made use of textbooks and printed materials, which were employed both during and after classroom discussions. These resources played a crucial role in reinforcing lesson content and were frequently used by students to complete assigned tasks and activities.

Overall, my teaching practicum was a significant and unforgettable experience in my journey as a student intern. It heightened my expectations of the educational system and instilled in me the understanding that one should never settle for less. If meaningful improvement is to be achieved, one must be willing to strive for excellence and make continuous efforts toward growth and development.