SITI HUMAIRA BINTI AHMAD KAMAL 890502-10-5652 TESOL 2

Introduction At this point, I would like to express my highest gratitude to Allah the Almighty for granted me opportunity, good health and strength to complete the Bina Insan Guru (BIG) course safely and successfully. My cohort members and I were having the BIG course for 4 days 3 nights starting from 30th October until the 2nd of November 2012 at Sedim Vista Resort, Kulim, Kedah. It was such a tiring program yet fascinating to each one of us. In my opinion, this program is very beneficial to be joined by the student teachers as it is aimed to build mental and physical endurance as well as in terms of spiritual and values in order to promote holistic development among becoming teachers in line with the national desired. Therefore, for the success of this program the student teachers not only need to master the knowledge learnt but they also need to be able to apply the acquired knowledge practically and effectively. By giving full commitment in every activity planned, it is anticipated that this program will be able to strengthen the personality and admirable character in each student teacher. Part 1: Reflective Report regarding the activities done First day On the 30th October, we assembled at Gelanggara at 7.45 am and at 8 oclock in the morning we started our journey to Sedim Vista Resort, Kulim, Kedah. There were 6 lecturers coming with us and acted as our mentor there for our BIG course. As soon as we arrived to the selected location, we had our very first briefing regarding our stay, rules that needed to be followed while having the course as well preparation for the first session which was ice breaking. Basically this activity acts as a starter for conversations with group members and also to promote good relationship among us. This session was facilitated by the guest lecturer from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and it was such a pleasure to have him to conduct this session. He organised quite plenty of activities during this session and the best activity was I really enjoyed during the innovative invention task. At this point, each group was given some straws, 3 pieces of mah-jong paper and balloons. All we needed to do was to create a bridge by using these materials provided without using any other materials and the bridge should be able to accommodate a metal first aid kit. In my opinion, this activity

SITI HUMAIRA BINTI AHMAD KAMAL 890502-10-5652 TESOL 2

is very good to develop thinking skills among us as we needed to think critically ways to build a bridge that was strong enough to hold the metal first aid kit without it fell down. However, I think the delivering of the instruction should be more explicitly presented as even though at first the lecturer was stressed on the concept of originality yet there were some other groups were using any other materials in building their bridges yet they were not being penalised of doing it. However, overall the ice breaking session was interesting and challenging at the same time. Then, in the afternoon, at 2 pm until 4 pm we were having our first aid session with the facilitators from Sedim Vista Resort and we were taught on some ways that could be done to help people with injuries for instance injuries on their head, leg or hand. We were also being taught to do a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) during this session and this was very useful for us which not only can be applied in helping people who are in need but also in dealing with young learners who are having minor injuries while in school. Even though we were having an opportunity to do the CPR however I think I should attend an appropriate course for this technique as it is anticipated that CPR should be well done by following appropriate procedures in order to save life. In the evening, we were having our water confident as well as river crossing activities and praise to Allah the Almighty that I was able to do these activities safely and successfully. For me, I was very grateful to have an opportunity to do these activities as I do not think that I will do them on my own to fulfil my leisure. Generally these activities were conducted to develop peoples confidence while having their time in the water as sometimes some people tend to feel nervous and a bit panicky if they need to do the water based activity as most probably because they are having bad memories or experiences with water in the past. Water based activity is important because teachers are not only being sent to urban areas to teach but there is a possibility or a greater chance to be sent to the rural areas which needs them to take water based vehicle such as boat or sampan in order to reach the area where they are being posted to. Therefore, by having the water based activity, at least they are having some basic inputs on how to conduct themselves while in water. Second day

SITI HUMAIRA BINTI AHMAD KAMAL 890502-10-5652 TESOL 2

In the morning, after we were having our morning exercise conducted by our sports bureau, we started our Jungle Trekking at 8.30 am. While walking to the selected location, we were exposed to a variety of plants and insects. While having this activity, student teachers had learnt to work together by helping each other regardless of their unit and at this point there was no selfish moment imposed by each of us. In addition, as soon as we reached our destination, we were asked to do a jungle culinary (masakan rimba) and it was a group work activity. Basically this activity was to teach us on how to survive in the jungle by using sources from the plants in order to cook rice, plain bread and grilled fish. During this activity, I think it was quite tough as well as challenging for our group as we were the last group who was able to light the fire. So much effort was given to maintain the fire. Furthermore, throughout this activity, there were so many obstacles faced by our group and obviously we felt bad it. Our rice was not cooked properly therefore as soon as we tried it, it was a bit raw. Then, our eggs were popped in the fire as we coated the eggs with thin layer of clay, therefore we just had rice with grilled salted fish as well as smoked plain bread as our dishes. Even though we felt a little bit sad because of these issues however they never fall us back. We still stand as one and we still support each other. Overall the activity had taught me a lot about being patient, supportive and helpful to any people in need. Just that I hope the facilitator at least can show us some demonstrations on how to light the fire without consuming so much time as well as to maintain the fire then how to cook the rice properly in the bamboo. After we had done our jungle culinary (masakan rimba) we went back to our camp after 2 hours walking. At night, we were having our barbeque and the food was fantastic. We had chicken barbeque, grilled prawn, stewed shellfish, and sausages as well as fried rice for our dinner. Then, after the dinner, we were having our cultural performance and it was such an awesome and interesting for us as we were having opportunities to expose our talents. Third day As usual, in the morning we were having our morning exercise for half an hour before we had our breakfast. Since this was the last day we will be in Sedim Vista

SITI HUMAIRA BINTI AHMAD KAMAL 890502-10-5652 TESOL 2

Resort, therefore the activity planned was not that tough just like the past few days. For todays session, we were having team building activities; passing a tennis ball from one friend to another by our neck, passing through a rope by holding friends hand and lastly took out a tire from a giant finger. Basically all these activities were aimed to train us to cooperate with each other without being selfish in order to complete the tasks given. Overall the activities were quite challenging and for me the aim is achieved as everyone gave full commitment as well as cooperation to fulfil the tasks successfully. Then, in the evening from 1.30 pm until 3.30 pm, we were having our trip to Tree Top Walk and we were such a great time there even though at first we were scared to death as the place was very high as the highest part was 26500 mm above the sea level and it was the longest canopy walk in the world and it is in Malaysia. I am so proud to be a Malaysian. Then, after we had done the canopy walk, we started our journey back home at 3.45 pm. We reached our institute 1 and half hour later. Forth day This morning at 8 oclock in the morning, we were having our meeting at Gelanggara. Some of the lecturers involved such as Madam Wan Fazah and Mr Mat Salleh joined us there. At this point, basically we were having some kind of reflection session which was done as group as well as individual. Every one of us was having an opportunity to deliver a short speech to our cohort members. Then, we were having our closure ceremony and it was quite sad to think that we only have a week left to be as a whole group before all of us move on with our own path next year. I just could not believe that our journey almost comes to an end. Part 2: Self assessment First of all, I am aware that the time management is very important to ensure all the activities planned to be going well. This is important because if an activity is delayed, it will affect the tentative of the program. In effect, all activities have to be carried out at a faster pace and will eventually cause us to face the lack of time for an activity session or slot. During this BIG, I will always try to remind myself to be on time and try to inform the other partner to do the work in accordance with the specified time.

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For instance, we were required to be at the hall 10 minutes early for the group work activity (LDK) instructed by our leader. So when we heard the sound of a haler, it was the sign for us to go to the hall the activity planned. I think it is anticipated that timely wised should be nurtured from time to time to ensure that each individual will be on time for every activity so that it can be carried out smoothly. In my opinion, the BIG course basically has built my personality quite well such as fostering openness, tolerance, cooperation, mutual assistance, patience, perseverance as well as to be creative and critical thinker. It is because over the past 4 days and 3 nights, all the activities planned had opened my view on the importance of being grateful with what we have now and values friendship. Furthermore, I also learnt that full commitment and cooperation among team members are essential to complete the task for instance the giant finger task on time and effectively. Thus, it is anticipated that the course has successfully cultivated good moral values in me, built human capital more effectively and at the same developed me to be a better person for my future generation. Furthermore, I believe and hold strongly to principle that we should be brave enough to try something new and not concede defeated until we tried to do at our own best. For example, at first I was quite scared with height and during the canopy walk obviously I was holding the fences tightly as I was afraid that I might fall down while walking on the bridge. However, with my friends support as well as I was trying to be confident that this walking lane was safe; I slowly tried to release my hands from the fences. Praise to Allah the Almighty I was able overcome my fear as I was able to walk on it barely holding the fences. So, this clearly proves that all things will work if we believe in ourselves and brave to endure challenges ahead. Conclusion Through the BIG course, teachers can be seen as the catalyst and generator in developing positive human capital. Therefore, BIG will eventually assist the student teachers in establishing and strengthening the five crucial aspects in line with the National Philosophy of Education (NPE) which are physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and social (JERIS).