​PERSONAL REFLECTION

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS I HAVE LEARNT FROM THE PRACTICUM

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Education is a dynamic field that requires a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Aspiring educators often embark on a journey to bridge the gap between classroom theories and real-world teaching scenarios through practicum experiences. My venture into the realm of English teaching practicum has been a transformative journey, enabling me to acquire a myriad of professional skills that are essential for a successful career in education. This essay delves into the valuable skills I have learned from my practicum experience in Nha Trang University (NTU).

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One of the most vital skills I have developed during my practicum period is effective classroom management. Maintaining a conducive learning environment is crucial for student engagement and academic progress. They should be created through conscious procedures like interacting with students in a positive manner, exhibiting positive behaviors that would promote learning activities in the learning environment (Becton, 2017). During my vocabulary teaching activity, I found that the students at the back of the class were not engaged enough. Moreover, it seemed that they could hardly catch up with the instructions because my voice was quite weak at that time. However, by reaching them during the activities to check for their instruction understanding and working progress, they managed to do the task effectively.

 

Flexibility is paramount in the ever-evolving landscape of education. The practicum experience taught me the importance of adapting my lesson plans and teaching methods based on students' needs and learning styles. Since I had the chance to observe the class of same-level students before my own micro-teaching, learned to gauge their comprehension level and make real-time adjustments to ensure that the activity was appropriately challenging yet accessible. Additionally, Visual aids and teaching materials are potent tools to reinforce learning. Through the micro-teaching experience in NTU, I have received precious feedback from the supervisors to improve the skill of integrating multimedia presentations to enhance students’ comprehension and engagement. I should have largen the PPT fonts to make it more visible for the whole class.

 

Micro-teaching underscores the importance of efficient time management in a teaching session. This experience has taught me how to allocate time for each segment of the lesson effectively, ensuring that the content is covered comprehensively while allowing room for student engagement, questions, and interactions. On the other hand, education is not a solitary endeavor; it thrives on collaboration. My practicum exposed me to the benefits of collaborating with fellow teachers, supervisors and support staff to create a holistic learning environment. I gained insights into the power of teamwork in designing interdisciplinary projects, addressing challenges collectively, and ensuring the overall well-being of students.

 

In conclusion, my practicum experience in English teaching has been a transformative journey that equipped me with an array of professional skills indispensable for a successful teaching career. From effective classroom management and adaptability to communication skills and technological integration, these skills collectively empower me to provide high-quality education and inspire student growth in my future career. As I embark on my career as an educator, I carry forward these invaluable lessons, ever-committed to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning.