Quynh Tram

My practicum trip to the Naval Academy in Nha Trang was a great experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally. Over the course of three days, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a very special education environment that I had never experienced before.

 

I. PROFESSIONAL SKILLS I HAVE LEARNT FROM THE PRACTICUM

 

Analytical/Assessment skills:

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The practicum significantly sharpened my ability to analyze classroom dynamics and learners’ learning styles. Before our micro-teaching, we had the opportunity to observe Mr. Long’s class. This observation was vital as it allowed us to clarify the students’ current proficiency level, their learning experience, and the content they had already covered. These insights were instrumental in revising our lesson plan to ensure it was neither too easy nor too challenging for the cadets. Furthermore, observing my peers’ presentations gives me chances to evaluate different pedagogical approaches and identify which strategies were most effective to match with the general learning styles of the class.

 

Planning skills:

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The practicum required extensive preparation for various academic activities, including the seminar and micro-teaching sessions. Through this process, I realized that planning is one of the most critical skills for an educator. My team and I had to work closely together to design the content and establish a precise timeline for every section of both the seminar and the micro-teaching session. We focused on ensuring that each part of our lesson was logically structured so that the core knowledge and academic insights could be successfully transferred to the cadets. This process involved not only creating materials but also anticipating how the audience would receive the information. A significant part of this learning came from encountering technical issues in the micro-teaching session, which taught me the importance of contingency planning and flexibility in order to deal with unexpected problems.

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Communication skills:

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Thanks to the Practicum, I learnt how to better communicate with others including our supervisors, my peers and also the cadets. During the pre-trip preparation for the seminar and micro-teaching, our team engaged in extensive discussions to exchange ideas and align our pedagogical goals. This collaborative process was instrumental in improving my ability to negotiate, synthesize diverse opinions, and communicate complex concepts effectively within a team. Significantly, I gained deeper insights about the importance of giving clear and concise instructions. After receiving feedback from Ms. Ngoc and Ms. Giang - our supervisors, I learnt to simplify my language and focus on main requirements in order for the students to understand and perform the activities more easily.

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Cultural competency skills:

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The Practicum at the Naval Academy significantly enhanced my cultural awareness, particularly regarding the unique institutional culture of a military environment. I was deeply impressed by the high level of discipline and order maintained by the cadets. Observing their punctuality and structured routines helped me understand how discipline shapes their learning mindset, allowing me to adapt my classroom management style to match their professional standards. also gained valuable insights into the cadets' collaborative learning habits. I observed how they contributed to lessons with a strong sense of responsibility and mutual respect. This understanding allowed me to tailor my teaching approach to better engage them, ensuring that the activities were respectful of their values while fostering a productive and communicative environment. From this, I learnt that teaching is not only about sharing knowledge but also requires a deep contextual alignment with the specific cultural and institutional background of the students.

 

Leadership skills:

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The practicum was a significant opportunity to exercise leadership through adaptability and social responsibility. When faced with unexpected technical issues, I understanded that calmness and coordination with my team was the key to help the lesson flow instantly, ensuring the session's effectiveness under pressure. Furthermore, I practiced leadership by leading by example and maintaining a high standard of professionalism, realizing that being a leader means being accountable for the collective success of the group and the learning experience of the cadets.

 

II. CHANGE IN BEHAVIOR AND PERCEPTION

 

The practicum has fundamentally reshaped my perception of the teaching profession and my role as an educator.

 

I shifted from viewing teaching as a linear delivery of knowledge to seeing it as a context-responsive practice. Observing the disciplined environment of the Naval Academy taught me that a "perfect" lesson plan is not one that is followed rigidly, but one that aligns with the students' specific institutional culture and needs.

 

In addition, my experience with technical setbacks changed my behavior to a more resilient and adaptable facilitator. I learned to embrace unpredictability with composure, prioritizing the quality of the students' learning experience over the strict adherence to a schedule. Ultimately, this journey has inspired me to move beyond theoretical frameworks and commit to a more empathetic, strategic, and flexible approach in my future TESOL career.