MUHAMMAD TAUFIQ BIN ALI's Teaching Journal by Taufiq Ali

Week 1 Journal

taufiqali5463 — 2024-07-23 06:42:38 UTC

On this first week of practicum, I had been assigned to teach 9 classes which involves lower secondary students only. This means that I am teaching secondary 1 and secondary 2 students. The syllabus for secondary 1 normally covers the basic of computer skills for this semester while next semester they will be introduced to Computational Thinking, and algorithm, and some basics in programming. The first week was from 3 June until 7 June 2024, however classes start on 4th of June because Monday was a Public Holiday. Due to the fact that it's week 14 of the year, I have covered some topics before, and now I have proceed to the next topic which is Microsoft Word for form 1 students, and Chapter 3 for form 2 students. Chapter 3 is the most challenging topic for lower secondary students in Computer Science, which involves programming (Python). There was a big event on Friday for this first week, which is Debate that involves all MRSM in Malaysia, and our MRSM is the host for the program. I am assigned as one of the documentation committee which requires me to take pictures throughout the program. We made a lot of preparation for this big event so that it went smoothly.

Week 2 Journal

taufiqali5463 — 2024-07-29 14:01:43 UTC

On the second week starting 10 June 2024, our school was still packed with programs and this week, we were required to participate in Activity week which involves a lot of sport competition and various other fun programs. To avoid students from losing track on their study progress, I still conducted some class and I tried my best to fit in my schedule with the packed programs.

During this week, I was assigned as report committee, and I was required to produce the program book for it. It was made in a team, and I designed the cover page for the book using Canva. This second week was particularly hectic but the students seems to be enjoying it because it was filled with varieties of sport activities. In fact, we get to experience local delicacy because food truck was available throughout the week.

Week 3 Journal

taufiqali5463 — 2024-07-30 02:51:24 UTC

The third week started from 17 June 2024 and class was held like usual, except on Monday because it was public holiday for Aidiladha. For form 2, I started introducing them to the Data types in variables as a starter before they declare variables, and form 1 is still practicing topic on Microsoft Word, as they were required to make a greeting card, based on their preference. The cards that they made were Birthday card, Invitation card, wedding card and many more.

Furthermore, within the week, UPSI students came to demonstrate their project to the students, to give the students exposure on technology and educational game that could be made by using Unity software, which was fun. The students seemed to be enjoying the session as they get to experience new things.

To conclude the week, it was running smooth and the students participated well in class session.

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Week 4 Journal

taufiqali5463 — 2024-07-30 07:32:19 UTC

On the fourth week, students started their exam week, on Tuesday. So, on Monday, I have ensured that students are well prepared mentally and physically, plus their knowledge is well covered. On Monday, I conducted a session for the students to study and prepare for their exam. They all seemed well mannered and focused for the exam.

Meanwhile, on Monday afternoon, I tried to boost their mental by giving them motivation, and some talk about how prepared are they on their exam. In fact, during the session, I prepared some light snacks for them and they seemed happy and contented with the afternoon bites.

To conclude the week, the students were all well prepared for the exam and the exam process went well.

Week 5 Journal

taufiqali5463 — 2024-07-30 07:43:19 UTC

On week 5 of my journey as practical teacher, classes were conducted as usual. During this week, form 1 have advanced to Microsoft Power Point topic, while form 2 had proceed to another sub topic on the techniques to name variables. In that topic, students were explained on the requirement to name variables, for example, variable name should not have any space in them. This topic is quite basic and easy to ensure that student understand them. The only challenge was that they find it hard to remember the rules in naming variables.

At the end of the week, I was instructed to bring five students to MRSM Taiping for Junior Innovation Lab 2024, a seminar to help them understand the concept of SDG17.

taufiqali5463 — 2024-07-30 07:47:08 UTC

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Week 6 Journal

taufiqali5463 — 2024-07-30 08:07:42 UTC

As I approached to week 6 (8-12 June 2024), classes were conducted as usual, and there was a public holiday on Monday which is Awal Muharam. Students got the chance to rest for a while, before they continue their study session. This week, students (form 2) were explained on some of the functions to manipulate string in coding. This was an easy to understand topic, and a simple explanation was required to make students understood. Form 1 students was still in Power point topic and they are required to explore the functions by making slides about their biodata.

At the end of the week, I was required to bring students (form 1) for swimming class in UPSI. They were so happy and excited for the extra activities because they got to enjoy and learn swimming at the same time. The swimming class was made from 3pm to 6pm, and we arrived back in MRSM around 7pm, and I would say that was quite a hectic week for me because I have to attend outside program for three weeks straight.

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Week 7 Journal

taufiqali5463 — 2024-07-30 08:28:24 UTC

On seventh week, which started on 15 of July 2024, we progressed on the next sub topic for form 2, which is the difference between variables and constant. Students were able to understand because they were able to see the example shown by me and the textbook. Due to the reason that it was a simple topic, I proceed to the next sub topic on the same week, which is about Input and Output.

The students were also given chance to enjoy a few delicious Food during Homeroom session on Monday. They learn how to open Durian, and eat together with other homeroom members. Other fruits like mangosteen and rambutan was also provided which makes the eating session more fun and filled with colours.

On the last day which was Friday, a lot of meeting and event happened. One of the meeting held was for Curriculum Unit to discuss the progress about students in their PAJSK grade. This week was also a sad week because it was the last day for two of my colleagues, and we held a small ceremony to say goodbye.

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Week 8 Journal

taufiqali5463 — 2024-07-30 08:53:36 UTC

On week 8, which was starting from 22 July until 26 July 2024, class were continued as usual, except for form 4 students which were undergoing oral test for English and Malay language. Form 1-3 proceed class like usual, and for form 2 students, I taught about operators in programming. As for form 1, they proceed to the next topic which is about Microsoft Excel.

The first day of the week was filled with eating activities with my homeroom, which was ice cream bread. They seemed to be happy because they got to have free food until they are full.

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Week 9 Journal

taufiqali5463 — 2024-07-31 03:41:36 UTC

Next, during week 9, the final exam of semester 1 was near, so I tried to finish all the relevant topics before the exam start. Despite the exam coming in week 10, we still have some activity and program. On Monday, we have 'Hari Koperasi Sekolah' celebration, and I was assigned as technical team, which requires me to make to backdrop, bunting, and preparation of microphone and music for the program.

As for the study progress, the students learnt about error in coding, which include syntax, logic and runtime error. Form 1 proceed to the next topic which was Binary number and Decimal number conversion.

Week 10 Journal

taufiqali5463 — 2024-07-31 03:52:38 UTC

Week 10 was one of the week that was filled with final exam, for 2 weeks straight. Despite the fact that there were exams, I still conduct class in the afternoon to make sure students were ready and well prepared.

Normally, during exam week, not much of program happens, thus students are given chance to focus on their study. However, for us teachers, exam still require to attend meetings and other tasks at hand. In fact, as warden, I have to ensure student did not stay in class until midnight, and turn of the light by 11.30 pm.

Week 11 Journal

a) Perceived Complexity: Some students may find programming intimidating, leading to reduced participation.

Opportunities

a) Emerging Technologies: Incorporating topics like machine learning and data analysis can attract students interested in cutting-edge fields.

Threat

a) Resource Limitations: Budget constraints may hinder the ability to provide necessary technology and support for students.