This time around, my partner and I had been assigned to SK Batu Tujuh, Tapah,

Perak. SK Batu Tujuh consists of hundred percent indigenous pupils. Practicum 3 was
officially started on 2nd February 2015. However, in our cases, we started our practicum
officially on 4th February due to Jis Pai (Semais festival) and Thaipusam celebration
respectively. Both of us were so excited to explore the adventures that were awaiting
us there with our little monsters. Nevertheless, we were a little nervous too, as it was
our first experience to teach indigenous pupils.

I taught Year 4 Dinamik which consists of 35 pupils. Most of them have low
proficiency level in English. There were only few of them who can understand English,
yet, unable to speak in English fluently. It is because, English is considered as their third
or fourth language. Frankly speaking, it was quite difficult for me to teach them in the
first few weeks. I realized that they had short attention span and very active. They loved
activities that involved them to move around instead of sitting passively for the whole
English periods. However, most of them refuse to respond voluntarily due to their
proficiency level. They were afraid to respond as especially if their answers will turned
out wrong.

What can we do in this kind of situation? First, use a lot of visual aids. It was
among the most effective teaching aids in my classroom. They were so attracted to
pictures, song lyrics, realia and so on. They even willing to participate voluntarily in the
activities associated with these teaching aids. Second, implement activities that required
them to move around in the classroom as they were very active. Every morning, they
would like to spend their time playing with the other friends in the field before attending
daily assembly. In other words, they love to play, and playing when they are learning is
not a bad idea, right?

Third, do not scold them if they are doing mistakes during learning. It is because,
one of their (Semai people) belief is that, the children have higher position than the
parents. Scolding the children can be regarded as sinful. In addition, they will be
demotivated to participate as they thought thatI cant do this!. We need to raise their
level of self-confidence in prior of active participation in the classroom. Last but not
least, teacher will look more supportive and understanding if we are correcting but not
blaming their mistakes. Furthermore, we will look more cool in their eyes too. I am
sure all of teachers wish to be the coolest teacher in school.

Lastly, I want to share one unique tip used by SK Batu Tujuhs teachers to
increase pupils attendance to the school. There will be a karaoke program held every
Friday. The pupils may choose the songs that they want to sing too. It is being held
every Friday as they love to play truant on Friday. Why? Friday seemed as the pre-
weekend for them. Why karaoke? It is because, indigenous pupils love music and love
to sing too. Undeniably, most of them have beautiful voices too.

In conclusion, I had great experiences teaching in SK Batu Tujuh which I cant

treasure it somewhere else.

Karaoke Program which being held every Friday.

Active indigenous pupils.