An Unforgettable Teaching and Learning Experience

 An Unforgettable Teaching and Learning Experience

One of the most memorable experiences during this program was when I had the opportunity to teach ICT (Information and Communication Technology) at Vicente Andaya Sr. National High School. This experience not only broadened my horizons as a prospective educator, but also enriched my perspective on the differences in education systems between countries.

During the teaching process, I received direct guidance from my mentor teacher, Ma'am Catherine E. Dumosdos, who served as my Cooperating Teacher. She was a very friendly, patient, and open-minded individual who generously shared her knowledge and teaching experiences. During our initial meeting, Ma'am Catherine showed me examples of lesson plans used at Vicente Andaya Sr. National High School. This served as my starting point to understand the structure and flow of the learning process there.

With great care, Ma'am Catherine guided me in analyzing the curriculum used. I found that the curriculum implemented at this school was quite different from the Merdeka curriculum currently used in Indonesia. Their curriculum is more teacher-centered, where the teacher is the main focus of the learning process. From selecting learning resources, managing the classroom, to delivering the material, almost everything is determined and directed by the teacher. This was certainly a challenge for me, as I was accustomed to a more student-centered approach to learning in Indonesia.

However, it is precisely from these differences that I have learned a great deal. I have learned how to adapt to a different learning context, how to adjust my teaching methods to remain relevant to the needs of the students there, and how to build effective communication with students despite our different cultural backgrounds.

Not only did I learn from them, but I also tried to create a fun and meaningful learning experience for the students. I incorporated elements of creativity and technology into my ICT lessons so that students not only understood the theory but could also see its relevance in their daily lives.

The moments when I stood in front of the class, interacted directly with the students, and saw their enthusiasm for learning are memories I will always cherish. I feel that in the process of teaching, I am also learning—learning to be an adaptive, reflective, and open-minded teacher who embraces educational diversity.

This experience truly serves as a reminder that teaching is not just about delivering content, but also about building relationships, understanding context, and continuing to learn together. For that, I am deeply grateful to Ms. Catherine and the entire Vicente Andaya Sr. National High School community for this extraordinary opportunity.