Week 2: Observation

Rene Karlos C. Bernardo
Nov 3, 2023
4 min read

Today is the day for me to observe the different classes in SMAN-10. The first class that I observed was Bu Aul's class. I went inside the class and felt a sense of seriousness. The class is quiet while Bu Aul is standing in front of the class. It felt like something must have happened in the class, were she scolding them? Did the class failed to accomplish something? You can feel the tension inside the classroom, I was thinking to myself that I may arrived at a wrong time. Nevertheless, I stayed at the back of the room, bring out my notebook and started writing the things that I notice during my first observation.

The students are tasked to do a group reporting. First, they are tasked to meet their groupmates for 30 seconds, by arranging the chair by group then the group presentation begins. There are a total of 6 groups that are assign to report the different measuring materials that is commonly used in a laboratory. I also noticed that this might be a continuation of the previous session as there are only 4 groups that are assigned to report. The student, using their phone (phones are allowed for them to use during class), connect their presentation on the projector using a wifi. I saw that the students created a short infographic that shows the different function, parts and even a brief description about the tool. After the discussion, the teacher asks specific questions to assess the student's understanding about the tool.

After the class, Bu Aul asks me about my opinion and insights regarding the observation. First, I notice that some of the presenters were having difficulties in reading the tools and that she recall them how to use the tool again. She added that sometime that is always the case for a teacher. There is a time that you need to brought up the topic all over again, which I definitely agree. I went to another of her class to observe, and once I entered the class it has a different atmosphere. The class is well organized as the chairs are already arrange in a U-shape pattern. Some students are using their phone, probably in preparing for their presentation. During their presentation, the class is very active during the discussion. They answered Bu Aul's question very well and I notice that they are having a lot of fun.

Similarly before, I was asked what is my opinion and insights regarding my observation. I told Bu Aul that this class is very different and that they are very active! I also commend the class for answering her question very well. She then added if there is now a class in which I wanted to teach, and I told her that I might choose the active class but I wanted to further observe other classes as well.

Once I return to the faculty (where my colleagues are staying), I go back to the place where I sit during my first day in SMAN-10. Itto/Deda (I don't remember who it is exactly) asks if I wanted to go eat something for lunch, and I said that's fine so we went to the school's canteen and bought a bowl that contains a chicken and rice. I never got an opportunity to know the name. I just bought it because it looks so delicious. When I went back to the faculty I started eating the meal. Regina told me that they rarely buy a meal in the canteen because it "doesn't taste good" in comparison if they ordered outside (no offense to both parties). I was curious on to why, but when I took a bite, I think I understand what Regina is saying. It wasn't bad or anything, like it is inedible, the food can be cooked much better (please don't get mad at me).

After eating, Dinda and Regina asked me if I want to visit Dinda's class for an observation. Obviously I tell them, "Sure!" and grabbed my notebook and pen. Once I entered the class, it is very similar to the first class that I observed in the morning. The class is very quiet and Dinda use a traditional lecture discussion. I think her topic is all about electricity. Even if I don't really understand what she teach, I can observe her content mastery and impress by her way of teaching. Looking at her teaching made me realize why she is carrying the book and solving some equations during my observation in Bu Aul's class earlier. "She is fully prepared!" I thought to myself. However looking at the class, it is a little bit different. Some students are falling asleep, while some is using their phone during the class discussion. Dinda know about this problem as her material is very difficult to grasp on. Hence, it is understandable if her student is having a difficult time understanding the lesson.

It is day two of my observation, and I went to Pa Fahrul's class first thing in the morning. I saw him using a simulation for his teaching practice. I was at the back during that time and he told me that the objective of his lesson are (1) Determine the arrangement of resistors and (2) Calculate the power produced. The teacher encourages them to think critically. He doesn't just give the information, yes he still introduce the concept but he let the student to think and reason out why they arrive on that answer. To do this, he uses Phet simulation as his material, where he gave different scenarios using the components in the simulation and that the student are encourage to compute the power produced by it.

The class is very active as it give the student the opportunity to think while collaborating with each other. In other words, SMAN-10 follows a learner-centered classroom!! Classroom management is also present as he wakes the student up and encourages meaningful noise (where there is learning happening). In the end, Pa Fahrul assess the student by giving them a worksheet that they can access through their phone.