Teaching Practice Experience
Hello, everyone! I would like to share an unforgettable teaching practice experience in Japan. From the nervousness of the first day, the exhaustion of handling a packed schedule, to the ultimate satisfaction of seeing personal growth—this journey has been incredibly valuable. Hopefully, this story can inspire those who are interested in experiencing something similar!
First Day of Teaching – Class 1D
The first day was filled with nervousness! The first class taught was Class 1D, covering Economic Globalization (first session). Fortunately, some students were quite active, and their English proficiency was better than expected. They were not hesitant to ask questions, which made the atmosphere more comfortable.
Despite the nerves and the unfamiliar classroom environment, the students' enthusiasm was reassuring. Although the performance felt far from perfect, their willingness to engage and answer questions made it a good starting point for adaptation.
February 17: The Most Exhausting Teaching Day!
This day was undoubtedly the most exhausting of the entire teaching practice, with three different classes to teach, each covering distinct topics.
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1) Class 1D – Economic Globalization (Second Meeting: Free Trade & Protectionism)
Since this was the second session, the class dynamics became more familiar. While not all students were actively engaged, many still participated and asked questions whenever something was unclear.
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2) Class 1C – Social Studies (First Meeting)
This class presented a different challenge. The students were quieter compared to those in 1D, but they still responded when asked if they understood the material. Although the atmosphere was more subdued, efforts were made to keep the session interactive.
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3) Class 1D – World War II (History Class)
Explaining World War II was particularly challenging. However, some students showed interest by asking questions, which was encouraging. Their curiosity demonstrated a willingness to learn despite the complexity of the topic.
Although the day was extremely demanding, completing all lessons successfully brought a great sense of achievement. The highlight of the day was during the short homeroom session, where a more personal introduction was given to the students. Their enthusiastic response made the experience even more rewarding.
​February 18: Observing an Indonesian Language Class
This day was dedicated to observing an Indonesian language class taught by an experienced teacher, alongside fellow observers.
The session was engaging—not just from an observational standpoint but also through active participation in assisting students with learning Indonesian. Teaching a foreign language to non-native speakers proved to be a fascinating challenge, as students displayed remarkable enthusiasm.
This observation provided valuable insights into effective teaching approaches for foreign language learners, reinforcing the joy of sharing knowledge with others.
February 19: From Underperformance to Improvement
The teaching session for Class 1A (Modern History) felt somewhat lacking. Certain points could have been conveyed more effectively but were not delivered as intended.
However, after a reflective meeting with the supervisor, constructive feedback was received. By applying those insights, the second session with Class 1B (Modern History) showed significant improvement. The interaction with students increased, and explanations became more structured.
Additionally, a new perspective was gained on how to ask questions in a way that sparks discussion and engagement. While the initial performance was disappointing, it was reassuring to see immediate progress in the next session.
February 20: The Most Fulfilling Final Day!
Finally, the last day of teaching practice arrived, with the goal of delivering the best possible lesson.
All feedback and insights from supervisors were applied, leading to a more confident, engaging, and effective teaching session.
The results were satisfying! Although minor areas for improvement remained, the overall performance felt much stronger.
As a fun closing activity, a "One Two Three Clapping" game was played with homeroom students. Their enthusiasm made it a memorable way to conclude the teaching journey.
Others Experience
In addition to teaching, I had the opportunity to visit Tsukuba University in Tokyo to attend a workshop on integrating technology into 21st-century learning. This workshop provided valuable insights into how technology can enhance learning experiences, making lessons more interactive and engaging for students.
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I also attended a symposium titled "Transforming Education to Problem-Based Learning in the Era of AI and Data Sciences." The discussions revolved around how education can adapt to technological advancements and how problem-based learning can be effectively implemented in modern classrooms.
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Beyond these academic events, I had meaningful discussions with fellow SEA Teacher participants about the challenges we faced while teaching in Japan. We shared our experiences, explored effective teaching strategies, discussed cultural differences in the classroom, and reflected on our reasons for choosing the SEA Teacher program in Japan. These conversations were incredibly valuable, offering new perspectives and practical solutions that I can apply in my future teaching endeavors.
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I also had the opportunity to visit the main campus of Tsukuba University in Ibaraki. Together with my fellow SEA Teacher participants and several senior high school students from Sakado, we engaged in a meaningful discussion about the differences between the education systems in Japan and Indonesia.
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One of the key topics we explored was the structure and approach to education in both countries. In Japan, the education system places a strong emphasis on discipline, independence, and self-directed learning. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own studies and daily school activities, such as cleaning classrooms and organizing events. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, while discipline is also valued, there is often a greater reliance on teachers for guidance, and classroom interactions tend to be more teacher-centered.
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Another interesting point was the use of technology in education. Japanese schools integrate technology effectively into their learning process, with digital platforms, AI-based learning tools, and interactive materials becoming increasingly common. In Indonesia, while technological advancements in education are growing, there are still disparities in access, especially in rural areas where digital infrastructure is limited.
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Beyond education, I also had the chance to share stories about Indonesia’s natural beauty. I described the breathtaking landscapes of places like Bali, Raja Ampat, Komodo Island and Mount Bromo, highlighting how Indonesia’s rich biodiversity makes it a unique and beautiful country. The students were particularly interested in Indonesia’s tropical climate and diverse ecosystems, which differ significantly from Japan’s seasonal variations.
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Additionally, we discussed some of the major social and environmental issues in Indonesia. One of the key topics was climate change and environmental conservation. Indonesia, as an archipelago, is facing rising sea levels, deforestation, and air pollution, particularly in major cities. This led to a discussion about what can be done to balance economic development with sustainability.
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Another issue we touched on was education inequality. While Indonesia has made significant progress in improving access to education, there are still challenges in ensuring equal opportunities for students in remote areas. Limited school facilities, a lack of qualified teachers, and economic barriers make it difficult for some children to receive the same quality of education as those in urban areas.
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This discussion was a great exchange of knowledge, allowing us to reflect on the strengths and challenges of each country’s education system and society. It was also a valuable experience in cross-cultural understanding, as we learned from each other’s perspectives and explored possible solutions to shared challenges.
Address
Jalan Dr. Setiabudi No. 229, Isola, Kec. Sukasari, Kota Bandung.
Phone
022-2013163