Assessment 3: Presentations, here we come! (2 Weeks)

Assalamualaikum again everyone!

This week, we're moving on to the most common assessment for language classes; Presentations!

 

So, based on my observation for the past 2 weeks, here are my SWOT result analysis for how my classes are carried out;

STRENGTH: Compared to KPM which is very packed with content, where each week consists of different topics and there is a strict timeline for assessment submissions, IKM is much more relaxed in the sense that it allows leeway for students by allocating extra time for students to learn a certain topic. To make you understand better, during my teaching years in KPM, there were 10 topics that we had to finish within the duration of 12 weeks. Meanwhile, in IKM, there are only 3 topics to teach, and we are expected to finish them within 22 weeks. The reason behind this is that teaching English in IKM means that we have to start from the basics. If we're teaching about ways to present, we have to start with exploring the skills of speaking beforehand. This abundant amount of time is also allocated for students to do their assessments during class hours, thus allowing them to practice in class before the actual assessment. In week 7, after going through all the tips of tricks on presentation skills, we had a little practice, and from there, I discovered that there were definitely a lot of things that had to be improved, and all this extra time is definitely a bonus point for students since they have a second choice to change and improve their presentation.

WEAKNESS: As per mentioned in my previous posts, IKM students in general have a lower English proficiency level compared to my previous students in KPM since most students here received below-than-average results during SPM. Thus, this has caused a widespread lack of confidence when it comes to presentations, especially in English. Students had a bit of difficulty when asked to list their skills and values because, besides the technical skills they have, they were unable to identify their individual skills and specialty. Some even claimed that they don't see anything special about themselves which is quite sad to hear.

OPPORTUNITIES: Students are quite well-versed in the techniques of presentations, but have problems applying them because of their shyness being in front of an audience. Having this knowledge is helpful for the lesson since all I have to focus on raising their confidence level. It might sound simple and easy, but I believe there's more to what meets the eye.

THREAT: I believe that one of the threats to this topic is the culture of bashing others’ mistakes when they are presenting. This is very common among Malaysian students and it had always been a pet peeve of mine. Some of the students were lacking in confidence because they had the Terengganu/ Kelantanese accent when they are speaking in English, making them dislike conversing in English because their friends would make fun of them. Having this kind of behavior is definitely disruptive to the class's progress.

All in all, I will try my best in removing the negative culture from my classroom because I want everyone to feel good about themselves, and I want to create a culture of celebrating others’ success.

Till my next post, Adios!

Sincerely, 

Nadia Aqila Roseland