Nguyễn Việt Hưng
The recent practicum trip to Nha Trang City, as part of my Master of TESOL program, has been an eye-opening journey that has enhanced my professional skills and broadened my perspective on English Language Teaching. Throughout the trip, we had the chance to organize and participate in various activities, from workshops and microteaching sessions to poster presentations and discussions. The trip has provided me with valuable insights that challenged my existing notions and enhanced my professional growth as an educator.
Analytical and Assessment Skills
After a campus tour around Nha Trang University to get ourselves acquainted with the facilities and classroom setup, we started off our trip with the microteaching sessions. This was an invaluable opportunity to evaluate my teaching abilities, especially in an unfamiliar environment. The students were non-English majors and at A2 proficiency level, which posed a significant challenge for me since my prior experience was mostly with English-majored students. This urged me to adapt and tailor my instructions to suit their levels, which strengthened my analytical skills.
Peer evaluation also provided me with fascinating insights into how to refine my instructions to better address students’ needs. Moreover, the process of giving feedback to my peers enabled me to hone my critical thinking and observation skills.
Planning Skills
The trip consisted of multifaceted planning activities, from devising lesson plans and workshop presentations to organizing the Gala dinner. Prior to the microteaching session, our team had held several meetings to come up with specific steps to make sure it went smoothly. As it turned out, there were unexpected incidences that we did not take into account, for example, some of my instructions might have been too complicated, which affected the students’ understanding, or some activities we carried out were not appropriate to their levels of proficiency. Upon reflection, I now understand that the process of planning should be thorough to avoid similar mishaps.
Apart from the academic activities, my involvement in the technical team at the Gala dinner added a layer of personal growth. I collaborated with some classmates I had not previously had the opportunity to work with, and it brought me great joy and satisfaction in getting to know them a bit better. My role, despite being minor, compiling pictures and suggesting ideas for the introduction video to be presented at the Gala, brought me immense value in the experience.
Cultural Competency and Communication Skills
Moving to another city exposed me to another culture. During the trip to Thái Bình Dương University, we listened to sharings from the lecturers there, which shed light on the notable differences between students in Nha Trang and those in Hồ Chí Minh City. These distinct characteristics were exemplified during our microteaching session. I observed that teaching students with diverse backgrounds and interests in the local context offered valuable insights into the significance of cultural competency and effective communication in pedagogy. It helps teachers understand their students better and, in turn, allows them to address their needs effectively.
Leadership: Adaptability and Social Responsibilities
The trip highlighted the essence of leadership and adaptability in education. I learned how to adapt teaching methods to engage students with varying levels of motivation. Also, observing educators at Thái Bình Dương University and listening to their talks gave me a sense of social responsibility in keeping students invested in learning. This reinforced the notion that effective leadership in education is about being responsive to individual needs.
Change in Perspective and Self-Evaluation
Reflecting on my role in the trip, I recognize the growth in my own perceptions and behaviors. Initially struggling with teaching A2 students, I've since come to appreciate the learning derived from stepping out of my comfort zone. The exposure to diverse educational settings has displayed the flexible nature of teaching strategies, prompting me to embrace adaptability as the basis for effective instruction.
In conclusion, the practicum trip to Nha Trang has broadened my horizons. From the microteaching sessions to workshops and presentations, each experience has enriched my journey in the realm of TESOL. Equipped with newfound insights, skills, and a heightened sense of social responsibility, I am eager to transform these experiences into my ongoing pursuit of becoming an adept and empathetic English language educator.