Field work – Malaysia An intervarsity initiative placing Australian students in Malaysian schools July 2014 Caroline Walta La Trobe University Faculty of Education

Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Practicum in KL

Program overview Developed through inter-university cooperation in association with the Australian High Commission to Malaysia Designed to provide professional practicum experience while developing cross- cultural skills and understandings and opportunities for the development of cultural literacy associated with engagement with Asia Involves partnerships for mutual learning between Malaysian Partners, namely local schools and higher learning institutes and an association of universities from Australia Initially came out of an agreement with Victorian deans but welcomes wider participation.

Overview of the program experience Has grown from a pilot of 16 to now 50 students from 6 universities Currently completing the 4 th iteration – Jan/July 2013, 2014 Involves a coordinator and meetings of organisers from each interested university several times a year. Also involves working with an in-country organiser- vital for the setting up of the program, orientation days, initial meetings with key personnel, excursion and orientation experiences Students are supported through successful application for an Asia Bound grant of $2000. The grant funds two staff members from each university to accompany students

Working in the schools

Overview of the staff experience Accompanying staff stay the full 3 weeks if possible Strive for a ration of 1:15 Visit schools to ensure clarity of purpose and then visit students to give feedback on teaching throughout the placement Stay in Quest type shared accommodation together with students Are available for consultation and help with lesson planning after the school day Accompany students on weekend excursions and all orientation activities

Overview of student experience Some universities count this as a placement- others as fieldwork A generic assessment from the mentor for all unis. Where needed uni specific forms for visiting academics Free to travel outside and socialise outside of school hours. Placed in shared room accommodation to facilitate social interaction Teach in schools according to method Either attend morning or afternoon school

Teaching in Malaysia- reflection on learning in a different cultural context

Research into potential gains of international practicum experience Research highlights the progress of goals associated with global teaching and learning over the past few decades. Cultural enrichment and second language acquisition towards the development of intercultural competence linked to concepts of cultural identity, global citizenship and global competence- which could not be developed staying at home(Dunkley, M, 2009; Vande Berg, M. 2007) The development of an appreciation of cultural diversity as part of cultural competence Some research highlights the need for effective pre-and post preparation, and opportunities for guided reflection on learning to maximise the benefits

Personal experience An involvement over almost 2 years Responded to an invitation to accompany students Attended one initial preparation session with accompanying staff and students. Practical in-country preparation material discussed Prepared a presentation on the role of the mentor to share with university colleagues in Malaysia Met with my fellow supervisor at the airport and travelled together. Negotiated traffic to arrive at IPBA for a gathering of all stakeholders

Our in country meeting

Primary school teaching in KL

General feedback- organisational perspective Needs a cooperative team of core people to work with the ongoing program An in-country organiser who is paid out of student costs is essential Students need careful orientation, monitoring and support as the experience is culturally very different from Australia No student has left early but some find it very challenging Important to screen students for the capacity to cope with change, social and cultural demands.

Some reflections by students Critical of orientation efforts before commencing teaching Overall very positive about the experience and would recommend it to others Generally challenged by everything- heat, travelling, teaching conditions, adjusting to living conditions Generally adjust well and form close bonds and empathy with students Quite demanding about what they expect from Australian academics Some concerns about safety associated with travel in country

Feedback on current experience 50 students Health and safety an issue in this venue Experiences vary as mentors interpret responsibilities Cultural impact on mentoring an issue Academics are kept busy monitoring the experience of PST Value adding associated with debriefing and reflection Teaching experience is very different from Australia but nevertheless valuable for intercultural understanding

Malaysian school experience

Group work!

References Dunkley, M. (2009). What students are actually learning on study abroad and how to improve the learning experience. Vande Berg, M. (2007). Intervening in the Learning in U.S. students abroad. Journal of Studies in International Education :392