Khanh Thien

I. PROFESSIONAL SKILLS I HAVE LEARNT FROM THE PRACTICUM

 

The Practicum trip was an enriching and memorable experience that allowed me to grow not only as an MA student but also as a future educator, a group member and a leader. Each activity contributed in a unique way to my professional and personal development.

 

Analytical/Assessment skills:

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One of the key skills I developed during the practicum was the ability to critically observe and evaluate teaching practices. By attending the workshop and observing peers’ micro-teaching sessions, I was exposed to a variety of teaching styles, content delivery methods and interaction patterns. The workshop presentations delivered by MA students and lecturers from the Naval Academy were particularly insightful, as they demonstrated how research-based knowledge can be effectively communicated in practice. Through these observations, I learned to identify strengths and areas for improvement in lesson design, such as the use of clear instructions, appropriate pacing and effective engagement strategies. More importantly, I became more aware of the role of feedback in professional development. Constructive feedback, whether given by our instructors - Ms. Ngọc, lecturers - Ms. Giang or my peers, allowed me to reflect more critically on teaching practices, including my own and to view evaluation as a tool for growth rather than criticism.

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Planning skills:

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The practicum also strengthened my planning skills at multiple levels, especially when preparing for the seminar on Vocabulary Learning Strategies. Initially, my group encountered difficulties due to misunderstandings of the task requirements, which affected the direction of our preparation. However, with the detailed guidance and constructive feedback from Ms. Ngoc, we were able to revise our plan and produce a more coherent and engaging seminar. This experience highlighted the importance of clarity in understanding objectives and the need for continuous revision during the planning process. Similarly, designing the micro-teaching lesson required us to anticipate classroom dynamics, select appropriate activities and allocate time effectively for each stage of the lesson. I realized that planning is not a fixed process; rather, it requires flexibility and readiness to adapt, especially when unexpected issues arise, such as technical problems during teaching. Overall, I learned that effective planning involves both careful preparation and the ability to adjust in response to real classroom situations.

 

Communication skills:

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Another important area of development was communication skills. Working closely with my group members throughout the practicum required clear, respectful and effective communication. I learned how to express my ideas more clearly, listen actively to others and negotiate different perspectives in order to reach shared decisions. In addition, interacting with the lecturers from Naval Acadamy and cadets during the class observation, seminar and micro-teaching sessions helped me practice delivering instructions and explanations in a way that is both accessible and engaging for learners. I also became more aware of the importance of non-verbal communication, such as body language and tone of voice, in maintaining learners’ attention and creating a positive classroom atmosphere, especially in a specific environment like Naval Academy. Furthermore, receiving feedback from lecturers such as Ms. Ngọc and Ms. Hương Giang allowed me to understand how professional communication and manners function in an academic setting. I learned not only how to accept feedback constructively but also how to respond thoughtfully and use it to improve my practice.

 

Cultural competency skills:

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The practicum experience at the Naval Academy significantly enhanced my cultural competency, particularly in understanding how English teaching and learning are shaped by specific institutional and social contexts. Through the introduction to the Faculty of Fundamental Studies and Foreign Languages, I gained valuable insight into the role of language education in supporting cadets’ academic and professional development. This experience helped me recognize that teaching practices cannot be separated from their context, as learners’ needs, motivations and learning environments vary greatly. I also became more aware of the importance of respecting and adapting to these differences when designing and delivering lessons. The opportunity to engage with cadets and observe their learning context broadened my perspective on English language teaching in Vietnam and reinforced the importance of culturally responsive teaching practices.

 

Leadership skills:

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As both a group member and a leader, I developed important leadership skills, including adaptability, responsibility and teamwork. Throughout the practicum, I took on the role of coordinating group tasks and ensuring that our work progressed effectively. Challenges such as initial misunderstandings of the seminar requirements and technical issues during micro-teaching required me to remain calm and solution-oriented. Instead of focusing on the difficulties, I learned to encourage my team, facilitate discussion and work collaboratively to overcome problems. In addition, the experience at the Naval Academy, especially in the context of the upcoming Reunification Day, strengthened my sense of social responsibility. I became more aware of the connection between education and national development, which motivated me to take my role as a future educator more seriously. Overall, this practicum helped me understand that leadership is not only about guiding others but also about being adaptable, supportive and responsible in different situations.

 

II. CHANGE IN BEHAVIOR AND PERCEPTION

 

The practicum had a significant impact on both my behavior and my perception of myself as a future educator.

 

In terms of behavior, I learnt to become more proactive and responsible in group work. Rather than waiting for instructions, I actively participated in discussions, asked questions when clarification was needed and contributed ideas to improve our work. I also took greater responsibility for ensuring that tasks were completed on time. During the micro-teaching session, when technical issues occurred, despite some initial confusion, I was able to learn to remain calm and adapt to the situation so as to prioritize the group’s performance. This demonstrated my growing ability to handle unexpected challenges in a professional manner.

 

In terms of perception, I developed a deeper understanding of the complexity of teaching. I realized that teaching is not simply about delivering knowledge but involves careful planning, effective communication, adaptability and continuous reflection. The experience helped me appreciate the importance of creating meaningful learning experiences that engage learners and respond to their needs. The positive reactions from the cadets during our seminar, along with the constructive feedback from lecturers, helped me recognize my strengths while also identifying areas for further improvement.

 

Moreover, the practicum deepened my awareness of the broader purpose of education. Being at the Naval Academy, particularly close to Reunification Day, gave me a strong sense of gratitude and responsibility. It reminded me that education plays an important role not only in individual development but also in contributing to society and national progress. This realization strengthened my motivation to pursue my career as an educator with greater commitment and purpose.

 

Overall, I believe that I made a meaningful contribution to my group and actively engaged in all practicum activities. More importantly, I have grown both professionally and personally through this experience. The skills, insights and reflections gained from the practicum will serve as a strong foundation for my future teaching practice.