SK St. Gregory Professional Statement Post Monday 14th October 2013 marked the end of my three months practicum experience. Throughout the practicum period, I have learnt a lot from my cooperating teacher, Mdm. Anna, in terms of the teaching approaches, methods and classroom management skills. Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this. One part of me is happy because I have successfully completed one of the requirements. However, another part of me is sad to leave the lovely students, the helpful teachers and the wonderful school environment. This practicum had provided me with the opportunity to experience the real classroom situation. I have learnt about the teachers roles, responsibility, attitudes and personality that will help to influence the students in their learning. Besides, I have learnt that a teacher does not only in-charge of the teaching and learning in the classroom, but also involve in the schools administration such as the filings and recording the students performance and achievement. As a rookie, all these qualities have taught me on the urge of improving my management skills which include the time and task management. I have realized that I need to have the proper management skills to ensure the lessons and the tasks could be completed successfully and on time. Apart from that, this practicum had given me the opportunity to involve in the school teaching community. For example, a program called the Learning Walk was organized where all the English language teachers were required to observe each other and discuss on ways to improve their teaching conducts. I think that this program is helpful to up skill the teachers as we were able to learn from one another. From this program, I have learnt about several approaches and methods that could be implemented in my classroom in the future.
In addition, this practicum had given me the opportunity to further develop my
social skills, particularly with the students, the teachers and the school staffs. It is important for a teacher to develop a good relationship with everyone in the school community because everyone plays their roles and contributes to the school environment. Respect and tolerance are very important to ensure that everyone will cooperate and work harmoniously. The relationship will be put into a test when the school organizes co-curricular activities such as the sports day and competitions. A strong and positive relationship will result in the success of the events. Besides, I have also learnt on the importance of differentiating the professional from my personal life. I shall never let my personal life and interest interfere with my professional conduct. I think that this is not something that can be easily taught by a pen and a paper, but only through experience. In conclusion, I am grateful that I had the chance to take part in this wonderful experience. I really hope that I had left a great impact into the students learning as the students had taught me so much about life as a teacher and a person. Yet, this does not mark the end of my journey, but it is only the beginning. I realize that there are more challenges ahead, thus I have to constantly improve myself over the time.