​PERSONAL REFLECTION

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS I HAVE LEARNT FROM THE PRACTICUM

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During my recent four-day teaching practicum in Nha Trang, I embarked on a journey of profound personal and professional growth as an EFL educator. This experience has afforded me invaluable insights and skill development in various areas, notably assessment, analytical thinking, planning, communication, cultural competency, leadership, and a transformative change in both thought and behavior.

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At the outset, I confess to harboring reservations about the efficacy of teaching in Nha Trang, considering it a less prominent hub for English language education when compared to the bustling Ho Chi Minh City. However, this practicum served as a revelation, teaching me the art of compromise and negotiation. It compelled me to collaborate effectively with peers, especially in situations where our schedules, teaching philosophies, and styles diverged. This experience made me acutely aware of the need for flexibility and adaptability, skills crucial in an ever-evolving teaching landscape. 

My interactions with the practicum organizers, my class monitor, and the group leader were instrumental in shaping my leadership skills. I gleaned essential lessons in planning, task delegation, and time management, reaffirming my role as a team player. Communicating effectively with all members of the group was paramount to ensure the best possible outcomes. I embraced this role, ensuring that my assigned tasks were completed satisfactorily.

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During my engagement at Nha Trang University, peer observation of micro-teaching sessions became a catalyst for self-improvement. Diligently observing and meticulously documenting my peers' performances allowed me to discern their strengths and areas that needed refinement. These insights proved invaluable in enhancing my own teaching methodology.

 

Furthermore, the fluidity of adapting lesson plans and instructions to the learners we encountered during the micro-teaching sessions highlighted the importance of flexibility. These sessions demanded rapid adjustments and consideration of individual learner characteristics and the school environment to deliver effective lessons. Collaborating with fellow teacher interns who shared the same lesson further underscored the significance of teamwork in achieving our teaching objectives. I even modified my own lesson on the fly, departing from my initial plan to ensure the lesson remained engaging and effective, particularly during late-afternoon classes when students were fatigued from extended learning hours.

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Participating in workshops during the practicum expanded my my comprehension of contemporary issues in ELT. I was inspired by the presenters who, with their unwavering confidence, conveyed their research projects in an informative and interesting manner. Witnessing their exemplary work has kindled in me the aspiration to one day present my research in a conference or workshop of similar caliber. Learning from these accomplished researchers and our peers was an inspirational and enlightening experience.

 

Additionally, engaging in discussions between Thai Binh Duong University and Ho Chi Minh University of Social Sciences and Humanities provided profound insights into the significance of investing in ELT research projects and fostering partnerships between institutions with diverse cultural backgrounds. This exposure highlighted the potential for collaborative research endeavors that can yield substantial findings to enhance the quality of English language education on both local and global scales.

 

In sum, my four-day teaching practicum in Nha Trang was a transformative journey that not only honed my teaching skills but also cultivated qualities of adaptability, teamwork, and cultural awareness. It broadened my horizons, inspiring me to aspire to contribute meaningfully to the field of ELT in the future.