On July this year, I had a practicum at Nha Trang University. It was a 4-day practical course which aimed to provide me with a better understanding of pedagogical theories and practices. On account of the trip, I have learned several invaluable lessons.

 

First of all, the practical was such a good chance for me to implement what I have been taught and what I have learned in higher education setting. Despite having been an English teacher for more than three years since graduating from university, I hardly ever have the chance to utilize my teaching methods and theories in a situation including higher education. My classroom is typically a small language school where the majority of the students are teenagers and young adults whose ages range from sixteen to under thirty. Therefore, the micro-teaching experiences at Nha Trang University acted as an incentive for me to gain more knowledge and widen my horizon regarding teaching and learning in large-sized classrooms at higher education level.

 

The second skill that I acquired is planning. Without a question, everybody who wants to succeed needs to have this competence. As instructed by the TESOL program lecturers, I should take the initiative to read pertinent resources and get ready for the class in advance. I would probably feel more assured and prepared to learn new information if I did this. I typically had tomcreate my own schedules for the MA course. I included an estimated time for each item in the
timetable and made an effort to complete them on time. Even if these routines were occasionally inefficient, adhering to them kept me well-organized for the projects and work that were to come. Prior to the departure day, I had to meticulously organize every aspect of the practicum trip. I was in charge of creating the lesson plan, so I had to spend a lot of time collaborating with my teammates to modify the lesson plan and hold numerous rehearsals to make sure everything was perfect.

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Last but not least, one of the most valuable things I have learned from the trip was communication skills. Nowadays, many young teachers solely go to their classrooms and come back home after class without paying attention to getting on with their co-workers. It may be due to either the busy schedule of each teacher or the fast pace of living that not only teachers but also other people encounter in our present lives. Thanks to the practicum and Nha Trang trip, I and my friends had a chance to work, study, eat, and live together, which makes us know better about each other. The time we had a group work for amending the lesson plan and revising for micro-teaching, the time we had with each other in the activities after a long day working hard, and the time sat together to have dinner and discussed what had happened during the day would be the most memorable experiences that I have ever had in my entire life. After completing my practicum, I underwent a profound transformation in my teaching practices and behaviors. The hands-on experience provided me with invaluable insights into the dynamic realities of the classroom, leading me to adopt a more reflective and adaptive approach
to teaching. I refined my instructional strategies, incorporating innovative techniques and pedagogical methods I had observed during my practical training. I also became more attuned to the diverse needs of my students, developing a heightened sensitivity to their individual learning styles and abilities. Moreover, my practicum experience nurtured a sense of empathy and patience in me, essential qualities for effective teaching. I embraced a more collaborative attitude, seeking peer input and mentorship to continuously improve my teaching. Overall, the transition from practicum to the classroom empowered me to become a more student-centered, adaptable, and reflective practitioner, fostering a positive impact on the educational experience and outcomes of my students.

 

The current MA TESOL program and the practicum excursion have provided me with numerous valuable experiences, such as practical teaching skills, planning skills, and communication skills. Studying is a lengthy journey with many obstacles in store for me. I believe that with the skills and knowledge I possess, I am well-equipped to overcome these obstacles.