WELCOME TO
SEA-TEACHER BATCH 3 🇯🇵
University of Tsukuba
This is my blog as a Japan-bound
participant from Thailand for 30 days
ABOUT ME
Hi! everyone
My name's Prangkaew Srisamran, Lina (Selina). I'm 20 years old and a current sophomore student teacher from Khon Kaen University (KKU), Thailand 🇹🇭. I majored in TESOL program, or, in other words, teaching English.
I was a participant in the SEA-Teacher pilot program, Japan-bound. I had numerous priceless experiences during my stay in Japan, especially in Senior High School at Sakado, University of Tsukuba, where I practiced my pedagogy skills.
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WHY
SEA-TEACHER?
Discovering my passions
I used to have self-doubt and kept asking myself "Have I made the right decision to become a student teacher?" Sometime I was discouraged and felt like there was something
missing. And I need to discover it.
I expected experiencing substantial personal and professional growth through my involvement from this project. Because It offered a plethora of engaging projects, seminars, and invaluable opportunities to exchange knowledge with esteemed professionals from overseas.
This is WHY I applied SEA-Teacher.
WHAT DID WE DO IN THIS PROJECT?
This program was literally amazing journey. From the expected to the completely unexpected, there have been so many unforgettable experiences. Let me tell you all about it!
ABOUT CLASSROOM
Homeroom class
As a SEA-teacher students, everyone was assigned to be the homeroom teacher. And I was responsible for 40 students in grade 10, 1-C class. Homeroom class starts at 9:00 A.M. and 3:15 P.M.
Sensei will inform the class of the important information or what they have to do today. In my case, students and I shared and exchanged our own culture and differences.
Observing
I observed many classed such as English, chemistry, PE, etc. at UTSS. There were huge differences in the classroom's culture. Japanese students usually use paper or physical equipment for studying, and electronic devices are allowed sometimes. I was very impressed with the interesting and amazing strategies of every Sensei to get students' attention and make the classroom atmosphere comfortable. I utterly respected them because they not only taught students knowledge but also created a safe space for them.
Teaching
I taught grade 10 students from two different classes, 1-C and 1-D. Each class lasted for 45 minutes and was followed by a 10-minute break before the next class began. Prior to teaching, I made lesson plans and discussed them with my supervisors. This process was crucial in honing my teaching skills. It was also difficult and challenging at the same time. To make the classes more engaging, I adjusted online competition games such as Kahoot, Wordwall, and Spinning Wheel, which proved to be very effective in keeping my students interested and motivated.
ACTIVITIES
Cleaning time
During the 15-minute cleaning period before afternoon homeroom, students are assigned to clean different areas of the school, such as the gym, hallway, or classrooms. I find this activity beneficial as it helps students develop a sense of responsibility towards the community, encourages them to practice good hygiene, and enhances their ability to collaborate with their peers.
Tea Club
Thanks to Purima, a Thai exchange student, who invited SEA-Teacher to a tea club event featuring an expert in tea-making. In the club, we experienced a tea ceremony and tried macha, a traditional Japanese tea, made by the club members. We also had a chance to make tea with the traditional process by ourselves. It was so enjoyable!
Drama Club
I had the opportunity to observe drama club practices led by students in grades 11 and 12. It was surprising that a few students could arrange everything. For example, they wrote the film script, directed, and controlled the lights and sound effects. It left me with a feeling of appreciation, and I literally wanted to watch their perfect version on a real stage.
SEMINARS
Open Research Forum
This is a massive event, and many teachers and experts around Japan came to senior high school at Sakado in order to participate in listening to the presentations of graduated research from third-year students. It was a precious opportunity to exchange and share the ideas with the experts from all over the country.
Lecture with Prof. Dr. Isoda and Prof Dr. Nomura
We had chances to lectured and talked with the two valuable Prof. from university of Tsukuba. There were many interesting ideas and great strategies that we can apply in our teaching with students and also adjusting in our life.
Meeting with Kasetsart University
Fortunately, we had Kasetsart University, Thailand 🇹🇭, as our guest while they were having a field trip in Japan. We presented our journey during stayed in Japan, including discussing about the differences between the two countries.
IMPRESSION
There is too much tear in this journey, the tear of joy.
Welcome ceremony
In the coldest day, everyone embraced us with the most warmest arms.
Valentine's Day
They specifically gave these chocolate to me and made me be a part of their love.
Daily book
These super shy children are the most lovely, kind, and lively, I ever met.
Farewell
This moment is the part that sincerely hits home for me! I can't even deny it, I totally teared up.
CHALLENGES
Cultural diversity I had to learn and adjusted to Japanese culture which were different from my own country. For example, greeting, table manners, and punctuation.
The weather the weather was completely dissimilar from my country. It was always 0-10 degrees Celsius in the morning.
Pedagogy It was unbelievable, how I managed the whole foreign class by myself. I was very excited and nervous. The biggest problem was time management.
Students This is the most challenging for me. I had to figure out how can I could get used to the students and be their safe zone. I want to guide them to find the best parts of themselves.
MY ANSWER
Now I already found what was missing.
I love to be around by lovely students and watch them professionally grow up.
Their pure heart is the answer,
it is driving me to my dream happy life
from now and ever. 💝
SUGGESTIONS
Japanese people are the kindest! Feel free to ask for help!
There are everything were provided at Senior High School at Sakado such as teaching equipment, the meeting room, kitchen, or the dormitory.
Please try swimming in the big bathtub inside the dormitory!
Responsible for co-working space such as cleaning and washing dishes.
Self-Cooking is another way to save money.
If you have a free time, try observing other classes, especially cooking class!
Wakaba Walk already provided everything the you need.
Wifi will be the best at night.
Enjoy your life!
JAPAN GALLERY
These are the pictures of my entire time of staying in Japan. Covering all of my journey with others SEA-Teachers, Japanese students and Japanese friends. Hope you enjoy!
THANK YOU JAPAN 🇯🇵
Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to Ms. Kitano, who I hold in high regard as my first Sensei. Secondly, I would like to extend my appreciation to every teacher and professor from UTSS and UT who worked hard to take care of SEA-Teacher students throughout our stay in Japan and provided us with the best possible guidance. Lastly, I am extremely thankful to the UTSS students who welcomed me with open arms from the very first day of my arrival in Japan.