Journal week 7

Date: 21/03/2016 25/03/2016

Title : Problems in preparing teaching aids/materials suitable for the year 4
pupils.

Problems
This is the seventh week of my practicum in SK Permatang Pauh,
Pulau Pinang. This week, I had a little struggle with the process of preparing
my teaching aids/materials for my pupils. At times, I felt like the lesson plans
that I had planned, together with the teaching aids were boring and not fun
enough to be used in the classroom during teaching and learning process.

Analysis of problems
Designing and managing teaching aids or teaching materials were still
a major problem for me, which had caused me few sleepless nights just to
think and design them. As for me, it was quite hard to design something that
will coincide with the curriculum specifications and the learning objectives
stipulated in the lesson plans. What I had designed was not as effective as I
expected whereby I am experiencing shortage of ideas to design something
outstanding and fun. This problem mainly arouse due to lack of experience
and efficacy in developing them. I always overthink on the materials that I had
produced as I always think that they are not good enough for my pupils and
they will not enjoy the lesson.

Ways to overcome
As a future teacher, I must make proper mental and physical
preparations by reading a lot of materials which related to the suitable
pedagogical approaches and their suitability towards my teaching and
learning activities. Hence, I can plan and design materials that are suitable,
durable and interesting to catch my pupils attention during the lesson.
I will try my best to come out with interesting yet meaningful teaching
materials prior to my previous weeks of practicum.

Hence, I should prepare myself with a lot of knowledge regarding the

principles of preparing teaching materials and factors to consider while
designing attractive teaching materials. Furthermore, I need to be resourceful
in designing the materials so that I can conduct a very fun and meaningful
lesson. Lastly, I should seek help and guidance from my supervisor and
cooperating teacher.

Journal week 8
Date: 28/03/2016 01/04/2016
Title : Time Management

Problems
This is the eighth week of my practicum in SK Permatang Pauh, Pulau
Pinang. For this week, the problem regarding time management arises again.
This problem aroused due to the ambitious planning of activities in my
lessons. When I conducted activities in the classroom, my pupils tend to take
a longer time to accomplish the tasks. This matter had caused delayed in my
lesson and it had interrupted the flow of my teaching and learning sessions.

Analysis of problems
From my analysis, I realized that this problem existed because I was
too nice and warm with my pupils in terms of keeping up with the time in doing
the activities during the teaching and learning sessions. In addition, I found
out that some pupils were unable to comprehend my instructions hence they
were unable to complete tasks or activities that I had assigned for them.

Ways to overcome
There are several ways that I could do in order to overcome the problem
mentioned above:

I should be firm with my pupils when it comes to work within the time
limits. I should always remind them about keeping up with the time that

I had allocated.
I should create the sense of urgency among them hence they will

realize that I want them to finish their work within the time given.
I should enable to give simple and clear instructions to my pupils
before they start doing the tasks or activities.

Honestly, I really have to try my best to handle this problem prior the
end of my practicum, as I would not want the same problem occur to me
during my upcoming lessons. Hence, I have to give myself some time to
enhance and develop my teaching skills and time management as these
matters require a lot of trials and errors in order to make them flawless.
It takes time to be good in managing time in the classroom, hence I will
continue with my reading regarding this matter as I want to find the best way
to overcome this problem. Moreover, I really have to seek guidance from
experienced teachers as well as my own supervisor in order to help me to
cope with this problem.

Journal week 9

Date: 04/04/2016 08/04/2016

Title : Pupils behaviour in the classroom (noisy and not following instructions)

Problems
This week, I had a problem regarding my pupils behavior in the
classroom during my lesson. They did not listen to my instructions and were
quite noisy throughout the activities that I had planned. It was a shame for me
as I could not be able to control my own pupils. This matter somehow had
interrupted the flow of teaching and learning session.

Analysis of problems
From my point of view, this problem happened due to my voice
projection. My voice was quite slow to control and beat the noisiness in my
classroom. I had tried to use louder voice but I cant help it due to my sore
throat. Hence, when the pupils completing the tasks given, I faced the
difficulty to control them and to call them in order to give further explanations.
It was quite frustrating for me as I had tried my best to project my voice loudly,
but yet the outcome was not as I expected.

Ways to overcome
I should practice to project my voice and make myself heard. I have to ensure
my voice is bigger rather than louder. There are three ways on how to make
my voice carry further and sound louder:

Breathe properly. The way of breathing affects the outcome of my

voice. I have to take time to fill my lungs.

Articulate with energy. When I articulate words, I should make full use
of all articulation tools such as the jaw, the lips and the tongue. I need
to use these tools with energy to create clear and crisp consonants
rather than lazy diction. Hence, the voice will lift up and will project

better.
Dont push voice harder make it bigger.

For next teaching and learning sessions, I need to learn on how to

project my voice loudly in order to control my pupils in the classroom during
the lesson. If all pupils are engaged with the lesson, it will minimize the
probability of the pupils to misbehave. I have to step up my skills and do more
practices in order to overcome this problem.
In conclusion, I need to prepare myself with a lot of knowledge
regarding the classroom management. I also need to seek help and advice
from teachers in this school on how to control and manage pupils behavior in
the classroom. Hence, I can ensure my teaching and learning sessions can
be conducted smoothly.

Journal week 10

Date: 11/04/2016 15/04/2016

Title : Giving instructions and choosing suitable materials for the lesson.

Problems
Throughout this week, I could list for about two major problems that I
faced during the lesson. The first problem was the way in giving instructions to
pupils. In my point of view, I think I should give instructions to the pupils first
before giving them the worksheet to ensure that they are able to accomplish
the tasks correctly. Then, I also have problem in choosing the materials that I
should used during the lesson. For example, the song that I chose was not
interesting and it decreases pupils interest in learning.

Analysis of problems
From analyzing the problems that I faced, I realized that in order to give
clear instruction, it really depends on ones readiness in teaching. It is
because, if ones are ready in teaching and they are well prepared, they will
not forget the steps as it is the vital step in making sure the pupils are ready to
access. Then, with higher level of confidence, I will be able to give them the
instructions of any activities clearly.

Ways to overcome
As a future teacher, I must make proper preparation before I conduct
my lesson. I can prepare myself by being able to make short notes before the
lesson starts to ensure that I will be able to remember the steps that I need to
follow during the lesson. I will try my best to improve my way in teaching in the
following weeks.
In conclusion,
I should prepare myself with a lot of knowledge regarding the matter of
giving instructions to my pupils during the lesson. Lastly, I should seek help
and guidance from my supervisor and cooperating teacher.