Week 2: Assistantship

The laboratory equipments Dinda, Regina and I prepared

The line between my activities between assistantship and observation is a little bit vague. Sometimes I do assistantship during my observation day, or only do observation during my assistantship. Although, I have nothing to complain since I'm having a lot of fun staying at SMAN-10. I first experience assistantship on my Day 2/3 of my first week in SMAN-10. I was tasked to help Regina and Dinda in preparing the laboratory equipments that Bu Kiki will be using for her class the next day. It contains various tools such as a stand, Erlenmayer flask, bunsen burner and more. By the looks of it, it seems that the students task will be involving the use of fire. Is it related to the tools that the student from Bu Aul's class were presenting the other day? On the other hand, this is also the same day in which I was able to see the materials that I will be using for my demo teaching next week, the solar kits.

I'm actually planning to conduct an experiment in using these solar kits in teaching renewable energy. During my first time meeting Bu Aul, I was told that I can choose to teach either of the two topics: global warming or renewable energy. When deciding on which of the following topics should I choose from, I was thinking on how can I teach the two of those during discussion proper. When I saw that the Physics laboratory have a huge solar panel in their inventory, I decided to choose renewable energy instead.

On the next day, I attended two of Bu Kiki's class to assist in their practicum. I roam around the classroom and help the students if they have any question regarding their activity. Their practicum is about the use of laboratory equipment, specifically an alcohol thermometer in measuring the heat of the water. While roaming around, I saw some students having difficulties in constructing the stand. I went to their table and ask if they are encountering any problems and assist them in building the stand. On the other table, I notice some students using the thermometer incorrectly, so I told them that they are holding it wrong.

When assisting Bu Kiki's class for the first time, it is quite difficult to be honest because of the language barrier. I notice that students are having difficulty time talking to me because they are not confident in speaking in English, so sometimes it is Regina that do the talking. I felt bad that I wasn't able to help that much during my assistantship because of this problem, I kind of regret not learning Bahasa Indonesia before arriving in Samarinda. Nevertheless, I still continue and try talking to the students.

After assisting Bu Kiki's class, I was assigned to assist Pa Fahrul's class next. This time it is a little bit different as the students are using bread board and circuits for their practicum. It is my first time seeing one in real life, because during the time that we study electronics, we only use online simulation to build circuits. I couldn't do anything during his class because the students are all over the place. I can't also help them because I haven't developed any necessary skills in using a bread board and the circuits. Hence, I just look over the students instead.

During the afternoon, Regina asked me if I want to attend her class. Every Monday to Wednesday, the student have another 1 hour to spent for other activities. You can think of this as an opportunity class for them. Curious, I decided to join her class. When entering, she started to ask about a submission(?) and if they wanted to learn something(?). I heard the class saying no, before introducing me to everyone. This is when I realize what will happen next. She then ask everyone if they have any questions about myself or culture, and they started asking a lot of questions, such as my first impression of Samarinda, favorite food, if I played mobile legends, if I know some Indonesian vocabulary, and even scary stories. In fact, I later then remember one student asking about modern physics, which shocks me! I was like, "Do we really need to discuss about who is right or wrong regarding gravity?" Nevertheless, it is quite a fun experience to have, as it help me learn more about the school culture of SMAN-10.