Introduction: A New Chapter Begins!

 

 Hi everyone!👋

My name is Arthika Widyarti, you can call me Thika. I'm a student of the Physics Education study program at Nusa Cendana University, Kupang. Welcome to my blog!, where I share my insights and experiences around education, especially during my SEA Teacher program at Saint Louis University Basic Education School (SLU BES), Baguio City, Philippines. If you’re an educator, an aspiring teacher, or just curious about the education system abroad, this blog is for you! 

SLU BES is one of the leading elementary and high schools in the Philippines that has a unique approach to learning. During my time here, I had the opportunity to understand their teaching methods, design lesson plans, and implement effective teaching strategies. Through this blog, I will share information about SLU BES, as well as my first-hand experiences in designing and implementing learning methods in the classroom. 

I hope this blog can be a source of inspiration and reference for educators, especially those interested in cultural exchange in education. Feel free to share your thoughts, discuss, or ask questions—because learning is more fun when done together! 

Ready to explore education in the Philippines? Let’s get started! 

student id photo 

SLU BES

 

Exploring SLU BES 

Being part of the SEA Teacher Program gave me the opportunity to experience the education system at Saint Louis University Basic Education School (SLU BES), particularly in the Junior High School Department. SLU BES is more than just a school—it is a learning environment that encourages students to grow both academically and in character.

Let’s dive deeper into the school profile, academic support system, and teaching system at SLU BES!

1. School Profile: SLU BES at a Glance

SLU BES is part of Saint Louis University (SLU), a leading private university in Baguio City, Philippines. The school has an excellent academic reputation and is committed to providing quality education to students from all backgrounds.

General Information about SLU BES:

📍 Location: Navy Base, Baguio City, Philippines

📅 Founded: 1911

🏫 Educational Levels: Elementary, Junior High School, and Senior High School

🌍 Accreditation: Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU)

2. Academic Support System: Helping Students Reach Their Full Potential

SLU BES focuses not only on academic excellence, but also provides various programs and facilities to help students develop holistically.

Student Support Programs

✨Guidance and Counseling Services

A team of professional counselors is available to support students in academic, social, and emotional aspects.

🎭 Student Organizations and Clubs

SLU BES offers various clubs and organizations, including Science Club, Math Club, Performing Arts Club, and Student Council, to develop students’ talents and interests.

💡 Technology in Learning

The school implements a blended learning system, combining traditional teaching methods with digital technology, which allows students to learn more flexibly.

 School Facilities that Support Learning 

🏫 Modern and Comfortable School Building 

Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors and ergonomic seating to enhance the learning experience. 

📚 Library with Extensive Resources 

Students have access to a well-stocked library with physical books, e-books, and online learning platforms. 

🔬 Science and Computer Labs 

SLU BES provides well-equipped science and computer labs where students can conduct experiments and develop their technology skills. 

💧 Water Stations 

The program, which is called "water is life", is very positive in increasing students' awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and environmental sustainability, because each individual is required to bring their own tumbler, so as to reduce the use of plastic. 

⚽ Halls equipped with sports equipment such as badminton, basketball, etc. 

With this comprehensive academic support system and top-notch facilities, SLU BES ensures that students have everything they need to excel in their studies and personal growth. 

 3. Teaching System

As a participant in the SEA Teacher Exchange Program, I had the opportunity to observe the teaching and learning methods at this school. Here are some interesting insights I discovered!  

1. Following the K-12 Curriculum

SLU BES implements the K-12 system, meaning students go through education from kindergarten to Grade 12 before entering university. The structure consists of:  

✅ Kindergarten (equivalent to preschool in Indonesia)  

✅ Grade 1-6 (Elementary School)  

✅ Grade 7-10 (Junior High School)  

✅ Grade 11-12 (Senior High School)  

In Senior High School, students can choose academic, vocational, arts, or sports tracks based on their interests.  

2. Student-Centered Learning Approach  

At SLU BES, teachers are not the only source of learning. Students are encouraged to actively participate in class through various methods, such as:  

✅Collaborative Learning– Students often work in groups to complete assignments or projects.  

✅Problem-Based Learning– Teachers encourage students to ask questions, explore, and discover answers on their own.  

✅Blended Learning– A combination of face-to-face classroom instruction and digital platforms for additional materials.  

3. English as the Medium of Instruction  

Almost all subjects at SLU BES are taught in English, except for special subjects like Filipino Language and Filipino Social Studies This helps students become more globally competitive.  

4. Time Schedule

SLU BES has more than one time schedule for teaching with different durations. The implementation of the schedule usually depends on the weather conditions there. This is one of the things that is different from the system in Indonesia, in SLU BES it usually only takes about 50 minutes for each subject, and certain subjects such as science take place every day.

5. Assessments Beyond Written Exams  

Students at SLU BES are not only evaluated through written exams but also through various activities, such as:  

✅ Project-Based Tasks

Students create reports or works that demonstrate their understanding.  

✅ Presentations & Discussions

Public speaking skills are highly valued.  

✅ Daily Assessments Teachers conduct routine evaluations through quizzes or class discussions.  

6. Integration of Catholic Values  

As a Catholic-based school, SLU BES also instills moral and spiritual values in students' daily lives. The goal is to develop students who are not only academically excellent but also have good character. During class learning always begins and ends with prayer.

7. Technology-Supported Learning  

SLU BES integrates technology into education. Both students and teachers use Google Classroom and other digital platforms to access materials, submit assignments, and communicate effectively.

Pedagogical Content

 

Pedagogical Contents

Observation day

1. Teaching Method 💁

Before conducting actual teaching practice in the classroom, we, the SEA Teacher participants, must first carry out an observation. For two days, I had the opportunity to directly observe how Mr. Manzano, my cooperative teacher at SLU BES, implemented his teaching methods in class. One of the main approaches he used was the deductive method, where he started the lesson with a general concept before moving on to more specific details.  

In each session, he always tried to connect the material conceptually, allowing students to understand the relationship between theory and its application more deeply. For example, when teaching about electromagnetic waves, he always introduced real-life examples related to the topic to grab the students' attention and make it easier for them to understand.  

I was truly impressed by how he managed the class and kept all students engaged. Additionally, he incorporated small jokes during the lesson to keep students from feeling bored. He also ensured that he used the same teaching methods and models for the same topic across different classes, ensuring that all students received the same material without discrepancies.

2. Learning Materials and Inovation

Learning science is often considered challenging because of its abstract concepts. However, in Mr. Manzano’s class, everything feels more alive! He uses PowerPoint presentations that not only contain lesson materials but also engaging educational videos and interactive animations. One of the most impressive examples I observed was the wave motion animation displayed on the smart TV in the classroom. This approach allows students to see how waves move instead of just imagining them in theory.  

Moreover, Mr. Manzano incorporates educational songs to help students remember examples of electromagnetic waves. This makes learning more enjoyable and helps students grasp concepts in a fun and memorable way. Technology and music truly form an effective combination in education.

3. Source of Learning

During my observation period, I noticed something interesting in Mr. Manzano’s class—the students rarely used books as their main learning source. For about 55 minutes, their full attention was directed toward the teacher. But did the class feel boring? Not at all!

To ensure that learning remains dynamic and interactive, Mr. Manzano constantly engages students in discussions through question-and-answer sessions. He encourages them to think critically and actively participate in the lesson. With this approach, the classroom feels more lively, and students are not just passive listeners but active participants in the learning process!

4. Authentic Assessment

In Mr. Manzano’s class, assessment is not just about written tests or memorizing theories. He applies authentic assessment, where students are evaluated based on their understanding and real-life application of concepts.

Through this method, students are not only assessed by their answers on paper but also by how they think, discuss, and actively solve problems in class. With this approach, learning becomes more meaningful, and students truly grasp the material—not just memorize it for exams

Teaching Plan

 

Teaching Plans

Curriculum

Adapting the K to 12 Curriculum: The Foundation of My Teaching Plan

In designing my teaching plan for the SEA Teacher program, I used the K to 12 Curriculum of the Philippines as the main reference. This curriculum is designed to provide deeper and more applied learning, ensuring that students not only understand concepts theoretically but can also connect them to real-life situations.

With this approach, I aimed to create a lesson plan that aligns with the educational standards in the Philippines while also considering the learning styles of the students in the classroom.

Lesson Plan 

Designing a Lesson Plan: The First Step Toward Effective Teaching 

Before stepping into the classroom for teaching practice, we were required to create a well-structured lesson plan aligned with the K to 12 Curriculum. This process not only trained us to plan thoroughly but also ensured that the learning experience was systematic and effective.  

I was assigned to teach Grade 10, and I developed three lesson plans covering different topics:  

1. Problem-solving Electromagnetic Waves – Focusing on students' problem-solving skills related to electromagnetic waves.  

2. Plane and Concave Mirror – Introducing the concepts and properties of plane and concave mirrors.  

3. Application of Concave Mirror4.  – Exploring real-life applications of concave mirrors.  

Each lesson plan I created included several key components:  

- Content Standard & Performance Standard – Based on the standards set in the K to 12 Curriculum.  

- Grade Level – Adjusted to Grade 10 students.  

- Method – I chose the Development Method, which allows students to gradually build understanding based on the concepts they learn.  

- Learning Objectives – Covering cognitive, affective, and psychomotor aspects, ensuring that the lesson includes theoretical understanding, attitude development, and practical skills.  

- Learning Assessment – Measuring how well students grasp the lesson.  

- Learning Content – Containing the core material to be taught.  

- Learning Procedure – A systematic step-by-step teaching process.  

- Assignment/Agreement – Tasks or agreements given to students as a follow-up to the lesson.  

With this structure, I aimed to deliver well-organized lessons that provide an optimal learning experience for students.

 

Teaching Practice

1. Procedures of Teaching

My Teaching Practice: From Preparation to Assessment  

In my teaching practice, I applied the Development Method to ensure a structured and engaging learning experience. After being introduced by my cooperative teacher, I started each lesson with the preparation stage, where I provided different types of motivation based on the lesson topic: 

1. Problem-solving Electromagnetic Waves – I engaged students with a quiz game to review the previous lesson.  
2. Plane and Concave Mirror – I used a mirror as a teaching aid to spark students' curiosity about the topic.  
3. Application of Concave Mirror – I conducted a review session, explaining the rules for drawing ray diagrams for concave mirrors to reinforce their understanding.  

Next, in the presentation stage, I used PowerPoint slides to guide the lesson:  

1. Problem-solving Electromagnetic Waves – I provided word problems related to electromagnetic waves and demonstrated how to solve them.  
2. Plane and Concave Mirror – I explained how images are formed in mirrors and taught students how to draw ray diagrams.  
3. Application of Concave Mirror– I showed a video demonstrating the real-life applications of concave mirrors and explained how images are formed in each scenario.  
To keep students engaged, I actively involved them in question-and-answer interactions, ensuring a lively and participative classroom environment.  

Following this, I proceeded to the generalization stage, where I summarized the key points of the lesson to reinforce students' understanding.  

Finally, in the assessment stage, I assigned various tasks to evaluate their comprehension, ranging from practice exercises to short discussions. This helped me assess how well they grasped the lesson and whether they could apply the concepts in different contexts. 

2. Time Management and Organizing activities

In every lesson, I manage time effectively to ensure that the material is delivered efficiently and interactively. With a total of 55 minutes, I organize the activities as follows:  

 1. Preparation & Motivation (5 minutes)  

To capture students’ attention, I always start with a thought-provoking question or a simple teaching aid. For example, when introducing the concept of concave mirrors, I ask, "Have you ever seen your reflection in a spoon? What do you notice?" This question immediately makes students think and become curious. I then connect this to the day's topic: image formation in concave mirrors.  

 2. Presentation (15-20 minutes)  

In this stage, I use PowerPoint slides containing explanations and real-life applications of the topic. I also ensure student engagement by incorporating interactive questioning. For instance, when presenting a ray diagram of a concave mirror, I ask, "What happens when light hits this mirror?" Students who answer correctly receive appreciation, while those who struggle are guided with additional questions to help them discover the answer on their own.  

 3. Practice (20 minutes)  

After understanding the concept, students need hands-on practice to reinforce their learning. I provide problem-solving exercises in the form of scenarios and encourage discussion. For example, I challenge them with a question: "An object is placed between the focal point and the center of curvature of a concave mirror. What kind of image will be formed?" Students then attempt to draw the diagram on the board or in their notebooks while I guide them through the process.  

 4. Generalization (5 minutes)  

Before concluding the lesson, I summarize the key points. I ask students to recall and state the three main rules for drawing ray diagrams of concave mirrors. This ensures that they fully grasp the fundamental concepts before moving on to the next topic.  

5. Assessment/Assignment (5 minutes) 

To measure students' understanding, I assign a task that involves drawing the process of image formation in concave mirrors based on different object positions.  

With effective time management and well-structured activities, I ensure that learning is engaging, interactive, and meaningful for students.

3. Clasroom Management

Managing the classroom effectively is essential to creating a conducive learning environment. During my teaching practice, I applied various strategies to ensure that students remained focused, engaged, and actively involved in the learning process.  

 1. Using Interactive Methods to Keep Students Engaged  

I believe that an active classroom is an effective classroom. That’s why I often incorporate reflective questions and group discussions. For example, when discussing the concept of mirrors in science, I encourage students to exchange ideas about how mirrors are used in different technologies.  

Additionally, I use games and short quizzes to keep students motivated and engaged. Through simple challenges, they can test their understanding in a fun way while staying enthusiastic throughout the lesson.  

 2. Handling Classroom Disruptions with a Positive Approach  

At times, some students may lose focus or disrupt the lesson. To address this, I use a positive approach, such as proximity control (moving closer to the student without directly reprimanding them) or asking questions to re-engage them.  

Teacher: "(Approaching a distracted student) Are you having any difficulties? Which part do you find unclear? You can ask me directly if you need help."  

(This question helps students refocus on the lesson without feeling negatively singled out.)  

By implementing these strategies, I ensure that the classroom remains organized, interactive, and enjoyable, making learning more effective for all students.

4. Problem-solving While Teaching

During the teaching process, challenges always arise, whether from students' varying levels of understanding, limited learning resources, or classroom distractions. That’s why I always apply quick and effective problem-solving strategies to ensure that learning continues smoothly.  

 1. Adjusting Explanations to Students’ Understanding  

Each student has a different level of comprehension. When I notice that some students struggle with a concept, I immediately look for alternative ways to explain it.  

For example, when students have difficulty with unit conversion, I introduce them to a new method using a conversion ladder, which is more visual and easier to remember. Additionally, to help them memorize formulas more quickly, I teach them the triangle method for finding wavelength, frequency, and other related quantities, demonstrating how they are interconnected.  

Teacher: "By using this triangle, we can find the formula more easily. Look, if we cover one variable, we instantly know how to calculate it!"  

(Students then find it easier to understand how these formulas relate to each other without memorizing them rigidly.)  

2. Addressing Disruption or Lack of Participation  

Sometimes, students are less engaged in discussions or seem uninterested. To address this, I involve them in a conversation that makes them feel comfortable asking questions.  

Teacher: "Which part do you find unclear? Don’t hesitate to ask—I’m here to help!"  

(By asking this question, students feel supported and more confident in expressing their difficulties.)  

By implementing these problem-solving strategies, I ensure that learning remains effective, dynamic, and helps students understand the material better.

 

Summary and Suggestion

Summary

During this teaching experience, an interactive, flexible, and problem-solving approach has proven to be highly effective in enhancing students' understanding. Using visual methods such as the conversion ladder and formula triangle has helped students remember concepts more easily. Additionally, a dynamic classroom environment, where students are encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions, creates a more engaging and meaningful learning experience.  

To capture students' attention, engaging educational videos help them grasp concepts more easily through clear visualizations. Moreover, educational games are incorporated to make learning more enjoyable and encourage active participation.  

However, every class presents its own unique challenges. Therefore, teaching methods must continuously adapt and find the best ways to support students' learning.  

Suggestions  

Based on this experience, several strategies can be applied to enhance the effectiveness of learning:  

1. Incorporate more visual aids and hands-on activities, especially for abstract concepts.  

2. Use engaging and interactive educational videos to capture students' attention and improve comprehension.  

3. Integrate more educational games relevant to the subject matter to create a fun and interactive learning environment.  

4. Vary the types of games, such as interactive quizzes, group activities, or problem-based challenges that encourage critical thinking.  

5. Encourage greater student participation by giving them opportunities to express their thoughts and ask questions without hesitation.  

 

By implementing these strategies, learning can become more effective, engaging, and aligned with students' needs. 

City Tour

 

City Tour Experience in Baguio  

During the SEA Teacher program, we had the opportunity to explore the city of Baguio for a full day. This trip was truly memorable as we visited several iconic tourist spots in the city using a jeepney, the traditional public transportation in the Philippines, which had been rented by the university.  

 Igorot Stone Kingdom  

Our first destination was Igorot Stone Kingdom, a site showcasing magnificent stone structures that represent the culture and heritage of the Igorot people. Besides admiring its stunning architecture, we also had the chance to rent and wear traditional Igorot attire! It was a unique experience that allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local culture and take memorable photos in their traditional clothing.  

Mines View Park  

Next, we visited Mines View Park, a famous location known for its breathtaking mountain views. From the hilltop, we could see vast green landscapes while enjoying the fresh Baguio air. There were also many souvenir shops selling unique Filipino handicrafts and items.  

 BenCab Museum  

Our third stop was BenCab Museum, an art museum founded by the Philippine National Artist, Benedicto Cabrera (BenCab). This museum houses a collection of contemporary art and Cordillera culture, which was incredibly fascinating to explore. I was deeply inspired by the displayed artworks, especially those depicting the lives and traditions of the local communities.  

 Botanical Garden 

Our final stop was Botanical Garden, a beautiful park filled with various tropical plants and cultural structures representing the Philippines. However, what made this visit even more special was the opportunity to attend an opening event and take a photo with the Mayor of Botanical Garden! This was truly one of the most unforgettable moments of our trip.  

I sincerely hope to visit Baguio again someday. This city has given me so many valuable experiences, and I would love to once again enjoy its cool climate, rich culture, and warm hospitality.