First Morning in Manila and a Day Full of Learning

October 10, 2024, marked our first morning in Manila. The day’s agenda was a campus tour of Philippine Normal University (PNU). At 9 a.m., PNU students arrived to escort us. After brief introductions, we walked to the PNU Manila campus, conveniently located just 150 meters from our accommodation.  

We explored nearly every corner of the expansive campus. Each faculty had its own dedicated building, and the university provided prayer facilities for various religions, including Islam. We also visited the Institute of Teaching and Learning (ITL), PNU's laboratory school, located in a building adjacent to the main campus.  

Meeting the Vice Dean and Classroom Observations

Following the campus tour, we had the chance to meet our vice dean, Dr. Rita Inderawati, who had just arrived in Manila. After a short break at the hostel for prayers and lunch, we returned to the ITL to observe classes in the laboratory school.  

We observed several grade levels, including grades 3, 6, and 8. Each class showcased unique characteristics reflecting the students' developmental stages. One key observation was the students' intelligence and engagement. The PNU student teachers demonstrated exceptional creativity in preparing interactive learning materials, making lessons highly engaging for their students.  

  

However, I noticed that the teaching approach leaned more toward teacher-centered learning. This was an insightful contrast to the methods I had experienced and provided valuable perspectives on different teaching styles. During my observations, I was particularly inspired by two teaching strategies that stood out for their simplicity and effectiveness.  

The first was the use of name tags or hats displaying students’ names. When students raised their hands to answer questions, their name tags were easily visible, allowing teachers to call on them by name. This small yet impactful practice fosters a more personal connection between teachers and students, creating a supportive classroom environment.  

The second strategy was the use of stickers as rewards for students who answered questions correctly. This simple incentive encouraged active participation and engagement in the learning process. It was heartening to see how a small gesture like awarding a sticker could motivate students to contribute enthusiastically during lessons.  

Both approaches highlighted the importance of thoughtful, student-centered methods that not only enhance classroom management but also inspire students to stay involved and excited about learning.

Post-Conference Reflections

After the classroom observations, we participated in a post-conference session with the PNU student teachers and Professor Felicidad Corenna Brono, a supervisor from the English Education program. During the session, each student teacher received feedback and reflections on their teaching demonstrations. This opportunity for constructive feedback proved invaluable for developing their teaching skills.  

The post-conference concluded at 6 p.m., and afterward, we headed to SM Manila Mall for dinner and to purchase daily necessities before returning to the hostel. The day was both enriching and inspiring, offering a deeper understanding of educational practices in the Philippines and the opportunity to learn from our peers at PNU.