HBEF4606 Practicum Guide - SG (vAug19)

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STUDY GUIDE

HBEF4606
Practicum Guide

Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)


STUDY GUIDE HBEF4606 Practicum Guide

STUDY GUIDE
HBEF4606
Practicum Guide

Prepared by: Rosinah Mahmood


Assoc Prof Hazidi Abdul Hamid
Cik Norazlina Mohamad
Teo Hui Thian
Assoc Prof Dr Norlia T. Goolamally
Kuldip Kaur
Teh Lai Ling
Open University Malaysia

Developed by: Centre for Instructional Design and Technology


Open University Malaysia

First Edition, April 2012


Second Edition, April 2018
Third Edition, August 2019
Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM), August 2019, HBEF4606
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means
without the written permission of the President, Open University Malaysia.

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Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)
STUDY GUIDE HBEF4606 Practicum Guide

VISION
To be the leading provider in flexible learning.

MISSION
To enhance the accessibility of quality education and provide lifelong learning
opportunities by leveraging on technology, adopting flexible modes of learning
as well as providing a conducive and engaging learning environment at
competitive and affordable cost.

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STUDY GUIDE HBEF4606 Practicum Guide

Contents
Part One: Introduction ................................................................................. 5
1.1 Introduction................................................................................ 5
1.2 Rationale ................................................................................... 5
1.3 Aim ............................................................................................ 5
1.4 Course Learning Outcomes ...................................................... 5
1.5 Practicum Parameters ............................................................... 6
1.6 Practicum Modes ....................................................................... 6
1.7 Important Terms ........................................................................ 6

Part Two: Practicum Procedures ............................................................... 8


2.1 School Orientation Programme (SOP) ...................................... 9
2.2 Practicum Schedule ................................................................ 10

Part Three: Roles and Responsibilities ................................................... 11


3.1 Principal or Head of Institution ................................................ 11
3.2 Co-Teacher ............................................................................. 12
3.3 Supervisor ............................................................................... 12
3.4 Student-Teacher...................................................................... 13
Appendix A ....................................................................................... 14

Part Four: Practicum Focus Areas Based on Programmes ................... 16


4.1 Bachelor of Education (TESL) ................................................. 16
HBEF4606 Practicum Guide
4.1.1 Practicum Focus Areas .............................................. 17
4.1.2 Teaching Hour Requirements Based on Modes ........ 19
4.1.3 Teaching Lesson Supervision .................................... 25
4.1.4 Lesson Plan ............................................................... 25
4.1.5 Student Feedback Form............................................. 25
4.1.6 Reflective Journal....................................................... 26
4.1.7 Writing Reflective Journal .......................................... 26
4.1.8 Practicum Portfolio Submission ................................. 28
4.1.9 Practicum Closure: Sign-off Form .............................. 28
4.1.10 Portfolio Submission .................................................. 29
4.1.11 Student-Teacher Practicum Assessment ................... 29

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STUDY GUIDE HBEF4606 Practicum Guide

References .................................................................................................. 30
Appendix 1 – Sample Template Lesson Plan .............................................. 31
Appendix 2 – Student Feedback Form ........................................................ 37
Appendix 3 – Daily Journal Entry Format .................................................... 38
Appendix 4 – Practicum Sign-off Form ........................................................ 41
Appendix 5 – Acknowledgement Receipt Form ........................................... 42
Appendix 6 – Practicum Placement Form ................................................... 43

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STUDY GUIDE HBEF4606 Practicum Guide

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This Practicum Guide is for Open University Malaysia (OUM) BETESL


programmes. It is targeted at learners (student-teachers) who will be
undertaking their teaching practicum in recognised schools and teaching
institutions.

It will guide student-teachers through the school orientation programme (SOP)


and teaching practicum experiences. Thus, it is necessary for learners to
carefully read and understand the contents of the Practicum Guide before
embarking on the practicum. If you have any doubts or queries, you can post
your questions on the OUM myINSPIRE online forum.

1.2 RATIONALE

The inclusion of this course in the programme is to provide student-teachers


with the opportunity to apply their pedagogical knowledge and skills in practice
in order to become competent teachers. The student-teacher will be able to
understand his role in the profession and in the extended operational
environment of the school.

1.3 AIM

The aim of this Practicum Guide is to familiarise student-teachers with the


teaching and learning environment.

1.4 COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the practicum, student-teachers will be able to:

(a) Prepare and plan lessons according to the required assessment criteria;

(b) Demonstrate the ability to teach confidently in a classroom setting;

(c) Apply appropriate teaching techniques in classroom lessons; and

(d) Reflect on their teaching experiences for continuous improvements.

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1.5 PRACTICUM PARAMETERS

Student-teachers are required to undergo their practicums at public or private


teaching institutions depending on the requirements of the specific
programmes. Student-teachers need to complete the required teaching hours.
A supervisor will be appointed by OUM for each student-teacher. The student-
teacher will be evaluated by his supervisor and co-teacher based on the set
criteria. The supervisor and the co-teacher will be appointed by OUM. Student-
teachers are required to write their lesson plans based on instructional
domains.

Specific requirements for each programme are outlined in the respective


appendices.

1.6 PRACTICUM MODES

The practicum modes for student-teachers are based on previous teaching


experiences of individual student-teachers. Take note that these modes are
only applied to the BETESL programmes.

1.7 IMPORTANT TERMS

Teaching and Learning


The teacher will design learning opportunities that will allow students to
participate in empowering activities which will enable them to understand
that learning is a process and mistakes are a natural part of the learning.

Lesson Plan
A lesson plan is a teacher’s detailed description of the course of instruction or
“learning trajectory” of a lesson. The daily lesson plan is developed by the
teacher to guide class learning. Details will vary depending on the preference
of the teacher, subjects being covered and the needs of the students.

Classroom Management
Classroom management is considered as the student-teacher’s daily control
of student behaviour and learning in the classroom setting.

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Classroom Organisation
Classroom organisation refers to how the student-teacher and his students
are grouped throughout the lesson and the management of allocated lesson
time.

Curriculum
Curriculum refers to school experiences, both planned and unplanned, which
promote student learning.

Practicum
A short-term field-based experience during which a student-teacher spends
time teaching, observing and being assessed in the classroom. It is also an
integral component of a student-teacher’s development which enables him to
experience the actual teaching and learning environment.

Practicum Portfolio
A documented collection of a student-teacher’s personal teaching record
which is drawn up and compiled according to OUM guidelines. The portfolio
compilation should include several aspects such as management, curriculum,
infrastructure, daily and weekly journal entries, evaluation (by Supervisor and
co-teacher) and students’ feedback.

Practicum Mode
The number of weeks a student-teacher needs to undertake the teaching
practicum. Duration of teaching will depend on the student-teacher’s past
teaching experience.

Reflective Journal
A student-teacher’s personal records of his learning experiences. Student-
teachers need to record their teaching and learning-related observations.

School Orientation Programme (SOP)


A period of time at the beginning of the teaching practicum in the school or
teaching institution. It is meant to orient student-teachers about the school
environment and its culture.

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PART TWO: PRACTICUM PROCEDURES


Student-teachers are required to plan their respective teaching practicum
schedules as shown in the practicum flow chart in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Teaching practicum flow chart

Note:

1. Minor changes to the process flow may occur for the individual
programmes.

2. For TESL students, see Appendix 6 for form pertaining to Step 3.

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2.1 SCHOOL ORIENTATION PROGRAMME (SOP)

The SOP provides an early exposure to the school environment and will
enable student-teachers to understand the educational setting through
teaching and learning activities. During the SOP, student-teachers will have
the opportunity to observe and interact with school administrators, teachers
and students. Student-teachers will also be able to observe student behaviour,
actual classroom teaching conducted by school teachers and the overall
management of the school. Through information-gathering tasks and self-
reflection, it is hoped that student-teachers will be able to apply the
pedagogical theories into their teaching practice.

The following is the SOP guidelines for student-teachers:

(a) Establish good relationship with the school community;

(b) Carry out general observations in the school and take notes based on
the practicum schedule guidelines;

(c) Communicate and interact well with the school community in a


professional manner;

(d) Discuss, observe and assist teachers in the classroom;

(e) Be involved in the school’s co-curricular activities if it is feasible;

(f) Demonstrate the professional values, commitment and responsibilities


of a teacher; and

(g) Commence portfolio documentation.

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2.2 PRACTICUM SCHEDULE

The teaching practicum duration will depend on the student-teacher’s past


teaching experience. The schedule provides an overview of the practicum
structure that the student-teacher will be undertaking during the practicum.
It must be prepared and adhered to diligently.

It is important that student-teachers adhere to the following:

(a) Complete the hours according to the calendar date of commencement


and completion of the practicum;

(b) Discuss the supervision schedule with the respective co-teacher and
supervisor;

(c) Teaching observations should be scheduled with the respective


co-teacher or supervisor;

(d) The dates for teaching observations should be clearly stated in the
schedule; and

(e) Compile the completed co-teacher and supervisor practicum


observation form in the portfolio.

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STUDY GUIDE HBEF4606 Practicum Guide

PART THREE: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 PRINCIPAL OR HEAD OF INSTITUTION

The principal or head of institution is the administrative leader, and as such,


he is responsible for guiding the student-teacher as he goes through his
practicum particularly in the aspects of teaching and learning.

The principal or head of institution shall provide support to the student-teacher


based on the following:

(a) Collaborate with OUM for the teaching practicum;

(b) Identify and appoint a trained and experienced teacher as the


co-teacher;

(c) Assist the student-teacher in adjusting to the school environment and its
culture;

(d) Provide the necessary information to assist the student-teacher with the
teaching practicum SOP;

(e) Provide the student-teacher with opportunities to observe and share


experiences with his co-teachers;

(f) Provide continuous guidance and feedback to the student-teacher;

(g) Report to OUM of any student-teacher discipline or medical matters; and

(h) Ensure that the student-teacher records his attendance throughout the
practicum duration.

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3.2 CO-TEACHER

The following are the responsibilities of a co-teacher:

(a) Help the student-teacher adjust to the school routine and introduce him
to the staff in school;

(b) Discuss school policies, plans for classroom management, curriculum


and teaching resources with the student-teacher;

(c) Observe student-teacher teaching lessons that are specified in the


Practicum Guide and provide constructive feedback by completing the
observation form. Provide the original copy of the observation report to
the student-teacher and keep a copy in the school;

(d) Discuss the student-teacher’s performance with OUM’s appointed


supervisor;

(e) Provide opportunities for the student-teacher to observe experienced


teachers while they teach in the classroom;

(f) Review and sign the student-teacher’s lesson plan;

(g) Guide the student-teacher in using teaching materials and suggest


effective teaching techniques and strategies; and

(h) Schedule time for observation and evaluation.

3.3 SUPERVISOR

The role of a supervisor is to develop the required skills and competencies in


the student-teacher in order to enable him to function effectively in the
classroom.

The following are the responsibilities of a supervisor:

(a) Carry out teaching observation based on the student-teacher practicum


mode;

(b) Conduct pre and post-teaching conferences for the student-teacher


during teaching observation. Provide verbal and written feedback based
on the student-teacher’s teaching performance;

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STUDY GUIDE HBEF4606 Practicum Guide

(c) Discuss areas for improvement with the student-teacher;

(d) Monitor the student-teacher’s teaching progress in school; and

(e) Guide the student-teacher in the preparation of the practicum portfolio.

3.4 STUDENT-TEACHER

The student-teacher will assume assigned teaching responsibilities for a given


class which include class management, lesson planning, assessment and
grading during the practicum period. This is to enable the student-teacher to
experience the role of a teacher.

The student-teacher’s responsibilities are as follows:

(a) Read and adhere to the aims and objectives of the practicum;

(b) Assume responsibility for his school or teaching institution’s placement;

(c) Submit timetable, copy of practicum schedule and other related


information to OUM before the start of the practicum;

(d) Discuss with the co-teacher and supervisor about his role and
responsibilities during practicum;

(e) Prepare the SOP;

(f) Prepare relevant and adequate teaching lessons in advance. Prepare


sufficient written exercises and homework related to the subject taught.
The student-teacher is expected to grade and evaluate all students’ work
in his class;

(g) Strictly adhere to school attendance regulations. Inform the school


authority, supervisor and the co-teacher about any absenteeism;

(h) Observe school rules and regulations pertaining to the code of conduct
as a teacher;

(i) Maintain professionalism at all times towards students and other staff
members. Communicate effectively with the school community; and

(j) Prepare appropriate documentation to record progress made during the


practicum period.

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APPENDIX A
Code of Ethics for Student-Teachers

1. Interacting with Administrators


Student-teachers should know the names of the school administrators,
ask to be introduced and interact professionally.

2. Interacting with Co-supervisors


Student-teachers need to establish good rapport with co-supervisors and
understand the role of the co-supervisors in the classroom.

3. Interacting with Students


Appropriate interaction between the student-teacher and his students is
an important aspect of the placement experience. These interactions
should commence on the first day of the placement, if possible, and
should be consistent throughout the entire length of the placement. The
interactions should occur inside as well as outside the classroom during
the school day.

4. Interacting with Parents


Parents should be informed early in the semester that a trainee teacher
will be working in the classroom.

5. Professional Dress Code


Student-teachers should be familiar with their schools’ dress code. The
dressing should be professional, neat, clean and modest.

6. Timeliness
Punctuality affects the flow of good planning and classroom
management. Classroom activities run more smoothly if materials are
prepared ahead of time.

7. Attendance
Attendance is compulsory according to the practicum schedule. All
absenteeism must be accompanied by appropriate documentation (for
example, medical certificate, death certificate and other relevant
documents). All documents must be submitted to the school authority
and a copy also needs to be included in the portfolio.

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8. Restraint of Students
Occasionally, students’ misbehaviour will require adult intervention in
order to prevent further disruptions or injuries. In some cases, restraint
of students may be necessary. However, student-teachers should not
attempt to restrain students unless they have been trained to do so.
Severe misbehaviour should be reported to the school authority.

9. Taking or Posting of Photographs


Taking or posting of photographs as well as details of students and staff
members of the school or institution is prohibited. Disciplinary action will
be taken in the event of failure to comply.

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PART 4: PRACTICUM FOCUS AREAS BASED ON


PROGRAMMES

4.1 BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (TESL)

BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (TESL) WITH HONOURS


HBEF4606 PRACTICUM GUIDE

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4.1.1 Practicum Focus Areas

Learners are required to observe and garner information based on the four
main areas such as management, curriculum, infrastructure and journal
reflection (refer to Table 1).

Table 1: Suggested Information on Management,


Curriculum, Infrastructure and Journal Reflection

Journal
Management Curriculum Infrastructure
Reflection

 School vision, A. Core subjects:  School size  Daily (after


mission and each lesson)
philosophy  Timetable  School location
 Weekly (only
 School  Syllabus  Physical one journal per
organisational arrangements week)
structure  Lesson plan
 School field
 Units such as  Classroom
the Parent- process  Playing areas
Teacher
Association, B. Teaching  Swimming pool
School and learning
Management support:  Furniture and
Board and the equipment
Disciplinary  Teaching-
Board learning  Indoor games
resources facilities
 General orders
or circulars  Subjects’ key Services
(e.g. school personnel available:
attire, meetings
 Operation room
teachers’ Code
 Other related
of Ethics,
information  Telephone
student
booth
disciplinary C. Co-curricular
actions) activities:  Suggestion box
 Functions of  Associations  Emergency
management room
staff  Societies

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STUDY GUIDE HBEF4606 Practicum Guide

 Attendance  Clubs  Learning


(teachers, corner
administrative  Sports or
staff and games  Gardening
students) areas
 Uniformed
 School’s bodies or units  Teachers’
academic room
calendar
 Restrooms
 Curriculum
planning and  Counselling
implementation room

 Teachers’  Cafeteria
record books
 Bulletin or
 Syllabus notice boards

 Textbooks

 Finance and
expenses
(if applicable)

 Staff meeting

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STUDY GUIDE HBEF4606 Practicum Guide

4.1.2 Teaching Hour Requirements Based on Modes

Student-teachers must adhere to the number of teaching hours based on the


teaching modes (refer to Table 2).

Table 2: Required Number of Hours and Weeks in Practicum

Teaching Placement
Number of
Number of Hours in Public or Private
Mode Practicum
Per Week (Hours) Schools or
Duration (Weeks)
Institutions

1 4 10 or more  Primary
 Secondary
2 8 6 or more  International school
 College
3 12 4 or more
 University

Please note that student-teachers are not allowed to do their practicum in any
tuition centres or enrichment centres. You should provide the timetable with
the number of lessons per week based on the mode of your practicum unless
you are in a single mode programme. Holidays or examinations are not
considered as part of the teaching and learning week, and you may need to
extend your practicum week.

Mode 1 Practicum Schedule


Student-teachers in Mode 1 with more than one year of formal teaching
experience in a public, private or any teaching institution* will need to adhere
to the practicum process as shown in Table 3.

*Please check with OUM or contact CESS directly.

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STUDY GUIDE HBEF4606 Practicum Guide

Table 3: Mode 1 Practicum Schedule

Week Practicum Process Portfolio Documentation

1  Report to school authority  Timetable

 SOP  Housekeeping

 Start of portfolio documentation

 Journal entry

2  SOP  Lesson plans

 Classroom teaching  Teaching materials (examples)

 First observation by  Completed first Observation Form


co-teacher by co-teacher

 Portfolio documentation

 Journal entry

3  SOP  SOP report

 Classroom teaching  Lesson plans

 Second observation by  Teaching materials (examples)


co-teacher
 Completed second Observation
Form by co-teacher

 Portfolio documentation

 Journal entry

4  Classroom teaching  Lesson plans

 Observation by OUM  Teaching materials (examples)


appointed supervisor
 Completed Observation Form
 Get sign-off form completed by OUM supervisor

 Submit completed portfolio  Journal entry


to OUM
 Appendices

 Completed Practicum Sign-off Form

 Completed portfolio documentation

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STUDY GUIDE HBEF4606 Practicum Guide

Mode 2 Practicum Schedule


Student-teachers in Mode 2 with less than one year of formal teaching
experience in a public, private or similar acceptable teaching institution* will
need to adhere to the practicum process as shown in Table 4.

*Please check with OUM or contact CESS directly.

Table 4: Mode 2 Practicum Schedule

Week Practicum Process Portfolio Documentation

1  Report to school  Timetable


authority
 Housekeeping
 SOP
 Start of portfolio documentation

 Journal entry

2  SOP  SOP report

 Classroom teaching  Lesson plans

 First observation by  Teaching materials (examples)


co-teacher
 Completed first Observation Form
by co-teacher

 Portfolio documentation

 Journal entry

3  Classroom teaching  Lesson plans

 Teaching materials (examples)

 Portfolio documentation

 Journal entry

4  Classroom teaching  Lesson plans

 First observation by  Teaching materials (examples)


OUM appointed
supervisor  Completed first Observation Form
by OUM supervisor

 Portfolio documentation

 Journal entry

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5  Classroom teaching  Lesson plans

 Teaching materials (examples)

 Journal entry

6  Classroom teaching  Lesson plans

 Second observation  Teaching materials (examples)


by co-teacher
 Completed second Observation Form
by co-teacher

 Portfolio documentation

 Journal entry

7  Classroom teaching  Lesson plans

 Second observation  Teaching aids


by OUM appointed
supervisor  Completed second Observation Form
by supervisor

 Portfolio documentation

 Journal entry

8  Classroom teaching  Lesson plans

 Submit completed  Teaching materials (examples)


portfolio to OUM
 Appendices

 Journal entry

 Completed Practicum Sign-off Form

 Completed portfolio documentation

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Mode 3 Practicum Schedule


Student-teachers in Mode 3 with no teaching experience will have to adhere
to the practicum process as shown in Table 5.

Table 5: Mode 3 Practicum Schedule

Week Practicum Process Portfolio Documentation

1  Report to school  Timetable


principal
 Housekeeping
 School orientation
programme (SOP)  SOP report

 Journal entry

2  SOP  SOP report

 Journal entry

3  SOP  SOP report

 Journal entry

4  SOP  SOP report

 Journal entry

5  SOP  SOP report

 Start of portfolio documentation

 Journal entry

6  SOP  Final SOP report

 Journal entry

7  Classroom teaching  Lesson plans

 First observation by  Teaching materials (examples)


co-teacher
 Completed first Observation Form
by co-teacher

 Portfolio documentation

 Journal entry

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8  Classroom teaching  Lesson plans

 Teaching materials (examples)

 Journal entry

9  Classroom teaching  Lesson plans

 Second observation  Teaching materials (examples)


by co-teacher
 Completed second Observation Form
by co-teacher

 Portfolio documentation
 Journal entry

10  Classroom teaching  Lesson plans

 First observation by  Teaching materials (examples)


OUM appointed
supervisor  Portfolio documentation

 Completed first Observation Form


by OUM supervisor

 Journal entry

11  Classroom teaching  Lesson plans

 Third observation by  Teaching materials (examples)


co-teacher
 Completed third Observation Form
by co-teacher

 Journal entry

12  Classroom teaching  Lesson plans

 Final observation by  Teaching materials (examples)


OUM supervisor
 Completed final Observation Form
 Submit completed by OUM supervisor
portfolio to OUM
 Journal entry

 Appendices

 Completed Practicum Sign-off Form

 Completed portfolio

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4.1.3 Teaching Lesson Supervision

Number of Observations by the Supervisor and Co-teacher


Supervisor and co-teacher will supervise learners (student-teachers) based
on OUM stipulated requirements as shown in Table 6.

Table 6: Student-Teacher Practicum Observation

Number of
Teaching Personnel for
Mode Observations
Experience Supervision
(Times)

Co-teacher 2
More than one year
1
experience
Supervisor 1

Co-teacher 2
Less than one year
2
experience
Supervisor 2

Co-teacher 3
No teaching
3
experience
Supervisor 2

4.1.4 Lesson Plan

Student-teachers are required to prepare lesson plans and learning materials


in advance. Provide a copy of the lesson plan to the co-teacher and supervisor
before the observation commences. Refer to the lesson plan as shown in
BETESL HBEF4606_Appendix 1.

4.1.5 Student Feedback Form

The focus of feedback is to emphasise the instructional aspect of feedback


rather than the correctional dimension in the learning process (Hattie &
Timperley, 2007). Student-teachers need to be actively involved in learning
what the feedback criteria mean and in understanding the goals and purposes
of the students’ feedback.

At the end of every lesson, student-teachers are encouraged to obtain


students’ feedback. Student-teachers should compile the feedback forms in
the portfolio. Provide examples (10 to 15 feedback forms) from different
lessons. See Student Feedback Form in BETESL HBEF4606_ Appendix 2.

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4.1.6 Reflective Journal

Reflective journals are writings about and reflections of the student-teacher’s


own thoughts. The process of reflecting on thoughts, ideas, feelings and own
learning encourages metacognitive skills by helping student-teachers to
self-evaluate (Wright, 2017). This process helps student-teachers learn new
concepts and complex issues.

The practice of reflecting creates opportunities that allow student-teachers to


think about their learning, their own lives and their surroundings. The process
highlights problems, misunderstandings and confusions as well as assists
student-teachers to identify new areas of development, independent learning
and taking responsibility for one’s learning (Strong, Silver & Perini, 2001).
Thus, when a student-teacher reflects on his learning, he will transform his
discovery of learning into plans for improvement. The main idea is to show
student-teachers how to transform their thinking into writing. The writing need
not necessarily be polished. Reflective journals bring additional insights into
how student-teachers value their own learning and progress.

4.1.7 Writing the Reflective Journal

Student-teachers can take 3 to 15 minutes to write journal entries in their


portfolio about happenings before, during or after each lesson. The journal
entries can be developed based on the classroom setting or beyond. Student-
teachers should write about their personal thoughts and feelings, and draw
their own conclusions instead of repeating what they think it is or should be.
Journal writing should promote the exploration of in-depth thinking.
For example, consider the difference between the following questions as
shown in Table 7.

Table 7: Examples of Questions to Help


Student-Teachers in Writing the Reflection Journal

What are your thoughts on the lesson? What did you learn from your first
lesson in class today?

What did you do in your lesson today? What happened in the classroom today
that made you feel delighted?

What do you want to learn? How can you apply some of your
achievements today to become a more
successful teacher?

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The questions in the first column surround superficial facts and feelings.
On the other hand, questions in the second column ask the student-teacher to
explore assumptions and values. As such, the student-teacher will be able to
develop critical thinking skills and analyse his own ideas.

It is imperative for student-teachers to regularly write in his personal journal.


Student-teachers may find it hard to do at first. However, with practice it will
become easier. Student-teachers should make it a routine and learn to
appreciate it.

The reflective journal will be assessed. Student-teachers may attach each


journal entry after each lesson plan. Student-teachers may follow the daily
reflection template for the weekly journal entry. See BETESL HBEF4606_
Appendix 3 for examples of daily reflections.

Different teachers may have different observations or problems that they


encounter in each lesson. You can write one or more observations for each
journal entry. These reflections can be from the perspectives of the
management and implementation of the lesson, and/or classroom behaviour
management.

Your journal entry after each lesson should include the following:

(a) Observation;

(b) Evaluation;

(c) Short-term action; and

(d) Long-term action.

To assist you to perform the daily entry, which should be completed after each
lesson, you may follow the format as shown in Appendix 3. You can also use
this format for your weekly journal entry.

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4.1.8 Practicum Portfolio Submission

At the end of the practicum, student-teachers are required to submit their


portfolios to OUM. The practicum portfolio should be well-organised and
documented. The portfolio content should include the SOP report, lesson
plans, teaching materials, supervisor and co-teacher’s feedback and
observation forms, self-reports, personal (reflective) journal entries, students’
feedback forms as well as photographs of school activities and samples of
students’ work.

Student-teachers can divide the portfolio into several areas as mentioned in


Table 1 when organising the portfolio documentation. The criteria will help
student-teachers to organise their portfolios.

4.1.9 Practicum Closure: Sign-off Form

Student-teachers should get the completed Practicum Sign-off Form signed


and stamped by the school or institution authority upon completion of the
practicum.

Guidelines for the Practicum Sign-off Form are as follows:

(a) Student-teachers should present all documents related to the SOP and
teaching practicum to the co-teacher and supervisor. When these
documents are completed, the Practicum Sign-off Form should be
signed by the teaching institution authority.

(b) Student-teachers should obtain the acknowledgement of the portfolio


completion from the co-teacher and supervisor.

(c) The co-teacher will forward the Practicum Sign-off Form to the principal
or head of teaching institution to be approved.

(d) The approved Practicum Sign-off Form should be compiled in the


portfolio. Refer to BETESL HBEF4606_Appendix 4.

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4.1.10 Portfolio Submission

The completed portfolio should be submitted to OUM within two weeks after
the completion of the practicum and the approval of the Practicum Sign-off
Form.

Student-teachers should obtain an acknowledgement receipt from an OUM


representative after submitting their portfolios. Please a keep copy of your
portfolio submission receipt (see BETESL HBEF4606_Appendix 5).

4.1.11 Student-Teacher Practicum Assessment

Student-teachers will be assessed by an appointed supervisor. The marks


distribution will be based on several criteria. Table 8 shows the student-
teacher practicum marks distribution based on modality.

Table 8: Marks Distribution According to Mode

Mode 1 Mode 2 Mode 3


Assessment
Marks (%) Marks (%) Marks (%)

School Orientation Programme 10 10 10

Supervisor 40 40 30
Teaching
Observation
Co-teacher 20 20 20

Reflective Journal 20 20 30

Portfolio Presentation 10 10 10

Total Marks 100 100 100

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REFERENCES
Brown, H. D. (2007). Teaching by principles. New York: Pearson Education.

Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). The power of feedback. Review of


educational research, 77(1), 81–112.

Parkay, F. W. (2013). Becoming a teacher. Kuala Lumpur: Pearson.

Rosinah Mahmood. (2017). HBEF4606 Practicum Guide. Selangor: Meteor


Doc.

Strong, R. W., Silver, H. F., & Perini, M. J. (2001). Teaching what matters
most: Standards and strategies for raising student achievement.
Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum
Development.

Wright, T. (2017). How to be brilliant trainee teacher. London: Routledge


Taylor and Francis.

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APPENDIX 1 – SAMPLE TEMPLATE LESSON PLAN

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APPENDIX 2 – STUDENT FEEDBACK FORM

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APPENDIX 3 – DAILY JOURNAL ENTRY FORMAT

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APPENDIX 4 – PRACTICUM SIGN-OFF FORM

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APPENDIX 5 – ACKNOWLEDGEMENT RECEIPT FORM

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APPENDIX 6 – PRACTICUM PLACEMENT FORM

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