Lessons Learned In SEA TEACHER PROJECT 2016 THAILAND

I was able to learn how to love the culture and tradition of Thailand Day by day I’m falling in love with their beautiful and preserve culture. Thai people are kind and respectful especially to elders. I was also astound by their great love to the royal family. They are indeed one of the best people in the world. They are hospitable, although they are not that good in communicating in English and despite of their busy day they still manage to communicate with us. Respect is always there wherever you go even if you are from a different country they will treat you as if you are one of them. They are very generous in sharing what they know. They are naturally hard-working and what I remembered the most is their heart that is always willing to help. They are very loving I never felt that I’m away from my family because they treated me as part of their family.

English communication skills It is a great opportunity for us to improve our English speaking skills. Being able to speak the global language sharpens our tongue. Since we will not be understood if we will be speaking in our National Language we need to speak in English anytime and anywhere. We also had a chance to learn some basic Thai greetings and language and it helps us a lot to communicate with the natives.

Interpersonal Skills was challenged It is not that easy to deal will different type of students but yes we made it. Not just with the students but with the other participants, with the people in the school we are assigned to and with all the people we’ve crossed our ways during our one-month stay. We practiced Thai language for us to be able to communicate with the locals. We needed to study their language so that when we go around without a Thai friend to interpret what we or they are saying we can handle. This has been a rewarding experience for all of us. Learning their language may be difficult but being able to start a conversation with our Thai friends using their language means a lot to them.

Live independently This is one of the greatest thing that SEA- Teacher taught us, being independent. Of course it is given already that we need to explore Thailand and their education system by ourselves. We need to prepare our own food, do our laundry, and clean our room by ourselves. This made us feel as if we are young adults working and living on their own.

Naturally adjust to the environment and situation we are into Naturally adjust to the environment and situation we are into. We also learn how to adjust like what adults do. We need to live alone without our parents is one of the biggest adjustments I need to take. We were also able to adjust with the other participants’ sensitivity when it comes to their faith. We also need to adjust our students, since they cannot understand English very well I have to speak slowly and use the simplest English word possible.

Devote more passion for teaching. I act as if I am really a teacher Devote more passion for teaching. I act as if I am really a teacher. I burn the midnight oil studying the best way to teach my students the lesson they needed to learn. I spend the entire night planning how every activity will become an outcomes-based. I also devote time in making an effective visual aids suitable for the type of learners I have. I have to put in more passion so that the result will be at its best.

Global Teacher in the making Of course I stick to one of the reason that brought me to Thailand. My desire to be called as a Global teacher. When we say global teacher it is about being able to step out of its comfort zone. Running an extra mile for the love of knowledge. I was able to tell myself that “Yes Steph you are now global!”. Global in a sense that I survived being a teacher from a country with a different educational system from ours. I survived the pressure that was put into our shoulder. I met the deadlines and I was able to handle learners far different from the students I handled before.

Handling diverse learners Thai students have different ways of learning the lesson best. Actually it’s not just about handling them but being able to love them despite of their differences. From the low performing to the best students you have to look at them as if they are all equal and aside from this you have to inject them the lesson with different ways.

Improved my lesson planning skill This is one of the most difficult job for me. I have to make a lesson plan that will cater the different learning styles of the students. I have to insert more interactive activity to maximize the students’ participation. I cover the three domains of learning and I gave them activities that will improve their communication skills.  

Embracing oneness in the midst of diversity At first the goal was to rise above the rest but as the days went on I realize that we ASEAN community are unified by education. Education becomes a global language for us. We have different language but education was able to speak for us. Later on the goal was change into “I am a Filipino and I Promote unity despite of diversity”.

Build friendship with different nationalities We are not just SEAMEO participants but we are future teachers sharing same passion and dedication for our love for knowledge and learning. We became each other’s families. We share our laughter and tears.

GENERALIZATION: It’s not about being on top all the time, sometimes it’s about being as one and that is what I’ve realized we are one community and we have one identity we are Southeast Asians. This is not just about our countless and priceless experiences it is also about networking and marketing. Networking with people that might help us in our dream teaching career and a once in a lifetime chance to market ourselves to our potential employer.

Prepared By : Stephanie Ann E. Gomez SEA-Teacher Participant From T. I Prepared By : Stephanie Ann E. Gomez SEA-Teacher Participant From T.I.P