WEEK 3, DAY 20: Friday, 21st September 2018 Alia’s Korea-Malaysia Teacher Exchange Programme

Today, we observed an art class for grade 3 students (15/16 years old). The teacher was teaching students how to draw a moving picture. The teacher showed videos of examples how picture moved. Then, the students started making storyboard and drew. They were creative and talented as they drew beautiful pictures. One student drew Alice in Wonderland, chasing the rabbit. One student drew princess. After the class, I asked the teacher whether will he teach students to use software to make moving animation. He said he will use Movie Maker to teach this. My partner and I were amazed how fast they learned to use creative software.

After that,  I had a multicultural class. I started to carry out my project plan, that is LEARNING ENGLISH THROUGH DRAMA. I gave a pre-test on vocabulary before they watched the video. Then, I showed a short folklore story on the ‘”Disobedient Frog”, a Korean folklore. Then, together with the students, we listed outthe characters and their characteristics. I was glad students were able to respond. Then, I showed 3 types of videos of Si Tanggang, a Malay folklore. Again, we listed the characters and characteristics. Then, students were given van diagram and they started to compare the characters. Mother Frog and Si Tanggang’s mother, the frog son with Si Tanggang. It was a pleasure to see students were able to compare the characters as they saw similarities and differences between the characters.

After that, we discussed about the setting of place in Si Tanggang. First is it happens in Malaysia. I showed the traditional Malay House. Then, we decided there is a ship.. We watched a short clip of Pirates of Carribean.

Then, we practiced facial expressions. Students showed the feeling of anger, sadness, happy, confused and surprise.

Overall, I am really glad I am able to start my project. I hope next week, I could start showing the Malay clothing and script.

Today, I am really happy I get to teach the students directly. Mr Kim was really helpful translating certain words. Some students were attentive. They were more attentive when I showed interesting videos. Overall, they could get distracted sometimes but they are kind and focus when needed. I hope I could handle the class again next week.

WEEK 3, DAY 19: Thursday, 20th September 2018 Alia’s Korea-Malaysia Teacher Exchange Programme

It was 9 am. Students had English written test in 10 minutes and they are very focused memorising how to write in English to introduce themselves.

We observed 2 classes today. First is History lesson. The content of the lesson is very interesting. The topic was about French Revolution. The lesson was taught in Korean of course, but I recognised the year as the teacher mentioned “Marie Antoinette” and “Napoleon”. The teacher used pictures and informs the students thoroughly on French History. Most students paid attention,responded and understood the lesson.  I am amazed with the History syllabus as students’ as young as 15 years old (Korean age) are learning about Europe. When I asked the teachers, they said that history is taught based on years. So, for example in the year 1880, the syllabus explains about what happen in Korea, Europe, Asia during that year.

Then, we observed Music class. The teacher introduced students to various types of instruments using Youtube. The teacher chose interesting performance, such as performance by deaf musicians and autisme. Besides, the teacher also showed celesta, which is rarely known. Then, the students filled in a handout given on descriptions of instruments and which one they like. This has proven that types of videos that we show to students played a big part. They showed videos that teaches students to have big dreams. Moreover, the way they handled the lesson is by showing videos or experiment that could explain a lot, in other other words, short demonstaration but means a lot to the students.

WEEK 3, DAY 18: Wednesday, 19th September 2018 Alia’s Korea-Malaysia Teacher Exchange Programme

I realised that students can play during play time in the morning, before school starts and during recess time. In the morning, there is also reading time at the library. Students are given choice to play or go to the library to read books.

Then I saw the homerorom teacher of 2-4, Miss Moon, has a roll call book or register. The Register only write name once and mark students who are absent. It is also being keyed in online.

We observed a Korean language lesson. Some students were a little sleepy as it was already afternoon. I saw the teachers being very patient in the class, not shouting at sutdents, even reprimand them in a way that does not make them sad. All the teacher asks them to do is stand up at the back for awhile until they are fully awake. Students even stand up and go to the back willingly.

A student told us that they received textbook from the government for free. Based on observation, teachers also received digital textbook and textbook. So, most teachers we observed will show the textbook on the television screen provided in each class.

WEEK 3, DAY 17: Tuesday, 18th September 2018 Alia’s Korea-Malaysia Teacher Exchange Programme

The first class we observed is a History class. The books is very interesting as it contains history on old and royal government. The teacher used digital textbooks and show it to the students while explaining. Then,  the teacher showed a historical movie and everyone focused on the movie. Then, the teacher gives a handout where students have to complete in groups of 4. The students were competitive. I observed at the textbooks and they have cute cartoons.

Then, we entered social studies class, teaching Ethics. The teacher showed a video on previous warriors who had fought for Korean Independence.

Many classes are showing to the students videos of previous Korean history, instilling value of patriotism.

Then, during recess, a student came to our place and start drawing Malaysian Airlines and finished it. While other students were playing a similar game to “Batu Seremban”. 

After that, our mentor, yenny, brought us to Agriculture School. We were amazed with the school equipment eventhough it was just a short visit. There were huge green house filled with plants. Then, there were teacher and students handling the tractor. I was amazed how real-life-like the lesson was. 

Then, we arrived at the place where they collect eggs. Agriculture school really focused on real-life skills.

WEEK 3, DAY 16: Monday, 17th September 2018 Alia’s Korea-Malaysia Teacher Exchange Programme

Today, I observed  an English classroom, Mr Kim. The teacher teaches English grammar in complex sentence construction “so that”. He explains in Korean, translates and give example in English. Then, finally, he gave handouts for students to construct sentences.

During English class, the teacher gave few minutes for students and us to get to know each other better. First, my partner and I, Malaysian teachers introduce ourselves, and answer questions students asked.

Then, they asked about my head scarves. Why am I wearing hijab? What is that for? So I explained that it is God’s instruction in Islam and I am a Muslim.

Next, they asked about where is Malaysia on the map. We explained it is beside Singapore and Thailand, or Taeguk as they said. Suddenly, a boy said “Dokdo Island”. My partner knew about this issue and she talked about the same thing happen with Batu Putih. Dokdo Island is claimed by Korean and Japan, while Batu Putih is claimed by Singapore and Malaysia. I am glad we were given this opportunity. We get to explore and understand their curiosity that they have about us and we get to clarify them. Moreover, we also get to bond by talking to each other. I really hope I get to make a positive and harmony bond between me, as a teacher, and them, the students. I hope they can see me as one of their teacher.

Next, we observed a lesson learning Korean language or Hangeul. It was interesting as by the end of the lesson, the teacher shows a video on a man who is trying to earn money for his family in Korea during Vietnam war. Eventhough it was animation, I was touched by the difficulty people faced. I realised, while teaching the language, the teacher had indirectly depict the culture as well as instil the value of patriotism, appreciating the difficulties faced by previous generation within the students.

Later, we went to the Health room. My friend felt uncomfortable with her legs after we walked around Seoul during the weekends. It was a good opportunity to talk with the school nurse. School nurse is a professional nurse, posted in schools around Korea. They teach students about Health Education and provide small treatment on injuries and light sickness.

The health room also has proper equipments like in the hospital and clinics.Then, I asked if the hospital come to school and give free injections to the students. The nurse says the students get free injection at government hospital themselves.

It is amazing to know that Korea equip their school with professionals.

Week 2, day 13, 14 SEPTEMBER 2018, FRIDAY

In the morning, as I entered the school, I saw 2 high school teachers asking students to be fast to school while clapping hand. The teachers look very positive.

Every morning in school, they switched on a tune. Monday untuil Wednesday would be soft classical melody. Thursday and Friday will be KPOP song. The teacher says the boys like girls’ song ins tead of boy band. They are funny, but having songs create a peaceful environment. I asked the principal why there is songs, during English listening exams intervals and before school starts. He says is to help students relax and be less stressful.

Our mentor, Yenny, informed us that we are in Hong Cheon’s newspaper, explaining that we are here to share Malaysian culture with Hong Cheon Middle School. We were  speechless.

Source: http://m.kwnews.co.kr/nview.asp?s=501&aid=218091300117

Add caption

Then, we observed our mentor’s class, Chinese character lesson. She was teaching how to write the name of the Chinese years. What I find interesting is she used an interesting Youtube video about astronaut and showed it to the students. This opens to the students’ mind.

We observed Physical Education class for grade 1-8  According to our conversation with Mr Ingil, P.E teacher, every grade will learn and practise different sports. The students warmed up using a set of choreographed moves. According to the teacher, the choreograph of the warm up is known by all teenagers in Korea. It reminds me of Japanaese drama “My Boss My hero” where they have to do warm up and say “Agnes!”. I like the moves as it helps the students practice their motor skill for complicated movement. They also warmed up by squatting and jumping. Then, they practiced playing basketball by throwing the ball to each other as well as bouncing the ball and move towards their friend and circle around their friend and coming back to their place. After that, they had short competition where they bounced the ball to the cone and coming back to the line. If their group get to do it fast, they win. It looked fun! It is very refreshing to see this as I am not used to various ways and fun in practising basketball.

Week 2, day 12, Thursday, 13 SEPTEMBER 2018

As I climbed up the hill, I saw a familiar smile. It was the grocery store’s son. He smiled and I waved back. Actually, I met him 2 days ago. I was scanning the vegetable at the grocery store and he came and shoueted “Asalamualaikum!”. I was shock! I asked how did he know and he said he was exchange student from UPM for 6 months. He mentioned about Mee goring , nasi goring and even recommended ‘Iced Nescafe”, saying it tastes like the ais! It was cute.

It was my second time entering homeroom class. Homeroom teacher enterd the classroom at 9.00am-9.10am and 3.20pm-3.40pm. At first, I only introduced myself. Then, I teach them how to start a Malay conversation, that is “Apa Khabar”, “Khabar baik” , “dah makan?”, “belum”.

I discovere 2 interesting Korean stationery. First is the chalk holder. So, teachers hand won’t be white because of holding a chalk. Second is the duster. The duster needs to be wet to clean the backboard. Even the board is different as in we cannot wipe the chalk off with our hand. To make the duster wet, there is a special container to wet the duster. Interesting items!

I learned that there is a sports names Foot Volleyball. The students played like volleyball but only with foot.how cool  is that!and Physical education  teacher know what is sepak takraw too. I was surprised!

I observed Korean, Science, Maths. In the first class, I was surprised as a student had printed out list of malay greetings that he searched from the internet. It is so cool as student had interest to search about Malaysia. I am very touched.

Then, in Science class, the teacher used a famous and funny Youtube video that showed a teenager making an experiment, which is another cool point. I realise choosing an interesting and eye catching video helps the students to be attentive. This teaches me that the choice of interesting video is important. Moreover, I think they carry out experiments very quickly by using the videos.Then, in Maths class,the teacher is teaching ‘probability’. The teacher plays kai-pai-puk or hand scissors stone or obejus to teach maths. So far, base on today observation, teachers and textbook use daily activities and students' games as the idea of the content in their teaching.
Based on our observation in a Korean language class, the teacher is teaching Korean language using literature setting during old times. Indirectly, this is teaching the value of appreciating the difficult times.

We also flip through the textbooks. We noticed that the way they introduced a certain topic is by talking about daily life experience. For example, in science, a picture of mother cooking and the pan is hot and the son came and touch the pan. Another example is in maths book, where there is a picture of a mountain and mathematics theories on calculating the height of mountain is shown on the picture. Relating real life to content will make it relevant why students have to learn in school.

There was also surprising incidents throughout the day. One student had printed out from the internet lists of malay words. So,suddenly, he was saying to me, Selamat pagi. Nama saya Lee. ON em more student is tremendously interested in aeroplanes and fast cars. He drew them very well. I told him about Malaysian Airlines the day before. And today, he showed me a picture he drew of Malaysia Airlines in KLIA! Never thought that our presence would make such an impact in their heart.

Week 2, Day 11, Wednesday, 12 SEPT 2018

I entered a technology laboratory, observing a grade 1 class. The teacher started the class by ringing a small bell to get their attention. Students start working on building their model house.The teacher prepared the plan and the paper and students have to cut the pieces out and paste them according to plan until it becomes a model of a house.

Personally, I think the design given was a little bit intricate, given that the shape is different from one another. The houses looks like a castle, house with small and big squares. I am of the opinion that it is good because it tests their motor skill as well as their visual intelligence, testing to what extend they can make sense of a plan and structure. This is good as this could give a snapshot of an architect to the students. Plus, during the process, they could think of what elese they could build. Hence, this is encouraging creative learning.

Today is the listening test. 3^rd grade students are having listening test. The listening test is using American English and there is a short happy melody in between followed by Korean instruction.

Topic:

1.       Discussion what to write in school newsletter and deciding to interview an art teacher

2.       Discussion on which society to enter for extracurricular activity

3.       Dinner reservation

4.       Discussion on good website reference

5.       Discuss on where to buy a good speaker

6.       Short conversation of asking and answering

7.       Discussion about holiday

8.       Mother asking the son to buy grocery items

9.       Meeting a friend in Busan

During Physical Education observation, I get to learn an new game called “Foot volleyball” or “cokker”. They have to kick the ball over the net. It looks similar to takraw in Malaysia, bit Takraw’s net is higher and the ball is made out of rattan.

Then, we observed an English class. It was taught by a foreigner from the US, Mr Ryan. He was carrying out a speaking lesson:

 “What do you think about (experience)”

“it was (adjective)”

“I think A is better than B”.

Some students responded but some played around. Mr Ryan called out that boy’s name and asked him to try what is on the board. The teacher handled the situation well without shouting. Then, Mr Ryan gave an exercise on writing the sentences with answers.

I had a chat with Mr Ryan about English taught in HongCheon middle school. Foreign teachers are considered as assistant teacher and another Korean teacher need to be in the class. The function of the Korean teacher is to clarify to the students some words they do not understand, as well as making sure they could give instruction during emergency.

Foreign teachers also only teach speaking and listening while Korean teachers teach grammar, reading and writing. Hence, the classes are taught by 2 teachers.

In the evening, the principal vice principal, academic director and all faculty leaders had dinner with us. They welcomed us with warm smile and toast with joyful speech. I had to give a speech too, and I mentioned how wonderful they were who have accepted us with lots of sarang, love.

The principal said he believed we are the best teacher in Malaysia and the best teacher in Hong Cheon middle school.  From the first day, they have found for us the best rent house with  extra room,miss yenny brings us on a trip to Sutasa temple, and later, we are going to Seoul to wear Hanbook at a palace. How amazing is that! They have showered us with lots of love, and now, we felt in debt that we have to give a lot back. Hong Cheon middle school! Sarangheo!

Maybe this is a very good diplomatic way of doing things. Shower your colleages with good things, believing that they will do good things as well.

Week 2, Day 10, Tuesday, 11 SEPT 2018

We roamed around the school to check out the facilities. There were school library, computer room, science room, technology room, cafeteria, health room, 3 staff rooms, court, broadcasting room, music room and gym. There is also area for talent show.

I observed a society learning Korean drum. Female teacher is teacher is teaching and students are doing it wonderfully. Kaja kaja kaja kaja…. Meaning faster faster faster.

Yesterday, I requested a Korean-vietnamese student to show me his taekwando moves. I ended up follow his moves. The move or taegyuk looks similar to Malaysian syllabus. I am very proud that the student is brave to show his move. I am glad that I get to celebrate his talent.

WEEK 2, DAY 1 AT WORK , Monday,10 SEPT 2018

Sunshine greeted my friend, Lina and I as we climbed the hill towards Hong Cheon Middle School, our new work place. We will be teachers for 3 months in this school. There was only butterflies in our stomach.

From afar, we heard the song “Rasa Sayang” and a banner “SELAMAT DATANG” with Korean and Malaysian flag side by side. Students were standing both on left and right, waving Malaysia and Korean flag. My heart leaped with joy and surprise as I saw how welcoming they were to us. The teachers gave us a bouquet of flowers and we took picture with the Principal, Mr. Choi, Ms. Yenny,our mentor, Mr. Kim, teachers and students.

Then, we went to the staff room. Yenny introduced us to the teachers. We gave a short speech, introducing ourselves, why we are in Korea and how grateful we are. All teachers were giving a warm welcoming smile. After our short 10 minutes welcoming session, school began.

Teachers went to class. We were brought to our staff room and our desks. We sat beside Yenny. We met the principal personally . He briefed us about the school background. The consist 71 stafff dab 600

Thye have close relationship with teachers.

Hong Cheon Middle school is very attentive with their multicultural students. The school organized special programmes for multicultural students (students whom family from other than Korean). 

Every 5 years must change school. To be a librarian must have a licence.

Week 1, day 8: Sunday, 9 SEPTEMBER 2018

Today, Yennny brought us to Sutasa Temple at Gongjak Han. Gongjak means peacock. Han means mountain. It was full of green of forest and there were people going there to hike. There were temples, a park, pond willed with lotus and a clear crystal river.  It was serene!

There were art exhibition in the temple area and we observed the traditional design of the temple and a bell. We were served hot tea and rice cake (tteok) by Yenny’s friend who was a tea–making teacher. Yenny was helping her friend serving Darjeeling tea to visitors. We roamed around the area, appreciating God’s beautiful nature and silence. In the afternoon, we had vegetarian lunch. It was delicious. Then, we helped Yenny and her friend cleaning the tea cup. We washed it in 2 basin. Once to soak, the other to rinse. Then, we dried them up. We had to do it fast if there were many visitors.  

Later, we went around to capture some moments and memories. Then, we ate ice cream with our mentor by the stream. It was peaceful. 

Week 1, day 7, Saturday, 8th September 2018

Our mentor, Yenny, brought us to the town. It is a small town. We went to Daiso to buy necessities. She also showed us the bus station and tourist information centre. Yenny explained to us that Hong Cheon is a soldier town. We saw many soldiers around the town. It reminds me of KDrama Descendant of the Sun.

Then, went to farmer’s market to buy Kimbap’s ingredients. Yenny wanted to teach us how to make it.

Then, we had lunch at a vegetarian restaurant. We sat on the floor on a thin cushion.

After that, we went home, and had tea and a chat. Yenny was so sweet as she put effort to learn English so that she can speak to us. She teaches us how to use the facilities in the house and how to clean the house Korean style.

Then, we made kimbap. We slice the carrot, Korean vegetable, cooked rice and rolled them into seaweed and we cut the roll into small pieces. It was delicious! Yenny really make sure we experience Korean culture. We are very grateful!

WEEK 1, Day 6,FRIDAY, 7th SEPTEMBER 2018

It was the day we perform our dance. Each country did very well and had similar dance costumes. Mongolia sing, play an instrument and dance. There was Indonesian dance and Thailand dance coconut dance. My 9 friends and I did the dance very well. We enjoyed ourselves and by the end of it, we invited other people to dance.

Then, we met our mentor. It was the first time I met my mentor, Yenny, the Principal of Hong Cheon Middle School , Mr Choi Ki Yong, and Mr Kim So Jung, an English teacher. Mr Kim was very nice to us and converse well with us. Yenny was kind, greeted us with warm smile. The principal greeted us with warm welcome. They were really helpful.

Then, we went to Hong Cheon by taxi-van. The journey was beautiful. The scenery reminded me of the road to Genting Highland and Janda Baik. Full of hills and trees.

Then, we reached our house. We were gobsmacked. It was on the second floor and in the house, there was 2 floors. The house was locked by an electronic lock where there is a password. Then, when we entered, it was the kitchen and a bathroom. Then, on the right, there was a room with television and a bed. Lina, my partner, took that room. I climbed upstairs. The staircase is high, half of the leg. Then, I climbed up and there were 2 rooms,1 bathroom and a veranda. I was surprised as there was a spare room! i was also surprise with the wardrobe. The wardrobe is super huge! As if I can fit in 6 luggages. I think this is because without a bed, people can sleep on a mattress. So, they will keep their mattress in the wardrobe. Awesome culture!

In front of our house, there was a grocery store. Lina and I were very glad as it will be easy for us to get our necessities. Yenny brought us there to buy basic needs and food.

In the evening, we had dinner with the Principal, our mentor, head of academic, Mr Kim and academic of extra-curricular programme, Mr Park Shi Jin, at a vegetarian restaurant by the Hong River. Mr Choi explained that he came from Hong Cheon. He said that he was in the school during the war. Hence, he is back to serve the place where he grew up. He sounded very inspirational. Then, he explained that river means Hong. Cheon means wide. Hence, the name of the city Hong Cheon. The river was crystal clear and serene. It creates a beautiful ambience for our dinner. The teachers welcomed us with smile and laughter, sharing ideas, informative and entertaining stories and facts. Mr Kim and Mr Choi even teach us hoe to eat the rice in the pot. Take out the rice and put it into the boil. Then, pour hot water into the pot. Cover it. Wait and it will become porridge. This teaches me that Korean culture does not waste every bit of rice. It is a beautiful culture J

Week 1, Day 5, Thursday,6 sept

We had 3 learning sessions

1.       How to create effective lesson for foreign students

2.       Learning how to read in hangul

3.       GCED session: Using theatre as a platform

Session 3 is very interesting. The person handling the programme is a professor from the Phillipines. First, he asked us to walk around. Team A looked up and team B looked down. Then, everyone described their feeling  about being superior or caring more for others.

Then, next activity, she asked us to do hand gesture. At first, it is action of a handshake. Then, one of the pair leave the other pair and someone else comes in and continue with shaking the other person’s hand. Then, this is repeatedly occurring but the other person who comes in must do a different action. It was fun and enjoyable.

Next, is doing the handshake, but this time, when the pair leave, another person must come in and create a picture of bullying. Then, another person comes in and continue the picture. In the end, there were 8 people in the picture. After that, the characters must come up with a dialogue and say it. This is picture A.

After that, another 2 picture is created before and after picture A. In the end, this will create a full story, start,climax and ending. This was fun and everyone get to experienced being the bully or the bullied. Everyone started to point out how this will make students show their experience, hence, we are including and celebrating their prior knowledge deeply in the learning session. We can also detect the students’ creativity or experience via this activity.

Drama could really help students to “learn while doing”, as promoted by Constructivism theory. Students will start to make their interpretation and analysis on situation that is happening around them. This is what GCED is promoting. Besides culture and world knowledge, GCED is aiming at celebrating each individual in the world, with hope that this effort will promote peace to the world as everyone understand and respect each other better.

That night, we had our last dance practice. It was sad as it was the last one but we can’t wait to do our best and introduce the crowd to Malaysian culture. Lina and tracy , the dance choreaographers gave their last words of motivation for us to do our best the next day.  

Week 1,Day 4: Wednesday, 5th September 2018

I remembered interesting events that I experienced since I reach Korea.  I saw a robot at the airport. Then, an ice box in the middle of hotel lobby in Korea. I also got to know Nun, Bom, Nui, Jo and Ninphin from Thailand.  And moreover, for dinner, I ate som tam…haha. It really haunts me!

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

What amaze me today is that I get to listen to a speech from Ban Kim Moon, 8th UN secretary. I was surprised with this lucky opportunity. His story moved my heart.

Korean war was harsh. There was also civil war.so, they attacked each other,it became a poor country. UN give a helping heand through UNKR, relief centre thatat provide shelter and schools. Bank Kim Mon mentioned he want through this. SO, war, extrisimism,terrorist manhy more global issues are getting more serious each day. SO, He went through this hardship. So, because he wanted to contribute to his country and to ensure unity and peace, he started GCED. These are few key points:

1.       Suggested topics for teaching GCED: Refugee, Natinonalism

2.       GCED promotes network and solidarity

3.       He question is how to localized “global education for global citizenship”

4.       Localised Global idea

5.       Importance of education is to educate people to stop the serious issues mentioned above. , solving global issuess

6.       Let students learn from their eyes, towards pppeace.eduaction is for the future.

7.       During rprevious protest, ppl messed it and cleand eit hup

8.       There are still sensitive issues that need to be observe

9.       Some authors create textbooks for Asia

10.   Peace is acknowledge diversity and respect opinion.

Week 1 KOMTEP 2018: 7TH SEPT

1. Miss Tae shared "creative effective lesson for foriwg students"

Tips:

1.smile to show friendliness

2.vocal - don't yell 

Blog
6 sept 18,thursday

1. We learned Korean from Miss Park. It was fun. There were syllables that needed for us to say it loud until we breathe out the sound,so we were given a tissue to practice. If the tissue moved, it means we did it right.

2. Useful sentences when we introduce ourselves as teacher are:

Anyohasayo
Hello
Chonen alia Imnida
My name is ali
Malisia Salam imnida
I'm a Malaysian
MAnaso panggapsimnida
Nice to meet u

GCED session: theatre imaging practice

1.

KOMTEP WEEK 1: 5TH SEPTEMBER 2018

Sun had just risen above the horizon. Korean Air that had departed at 11.55pm from Malaysia had touched Korean soil at 6.30 am. Our hearts jumped as “The First Day in KOMTEP” is finally here. Great expectations and adventure lie ahead. There were smiles across our faces, Suhaimi, Farid, Parthiban, Hafiz, Saif, Ibrahim, Tracy, Alia, Lina and Michelle, accompanied by BPG officer, Miss Noraini and JPN Penang officer, Mr Akmal.

 (picture)

We saw a Korean Robot at Incheon Airport.

(picture)

Miss Hyun Ju Bae and Miss ,Apceiu officer had fetched us  at the airport. She was very warm and welcoming.

 (picture)

Then, we were brought to our hotel, Courtyard by Mariott Seoul, Yeongdeungpo.Miss Kim brought us to Hansik Olbaan Restaurant in Time Square mall for a buffet lunch.

(picutre) 

Our first week orientation began. We were brought to APCEIU building. We registered and were given handbooks. We were introduced to the officers in charge of this week, which are Ms. Eom Jeong Min, Ms. Bae Hyun Joo, Ms Hong Sol, Mr Hong Sung Hwan, Ms. Kim JI,  Ms Kim Hieun, Ms Choi Minyoung and MS lee Danbi.

(picture)

First,we registered in Network for School and Teachers (NEST) website. This will be used to submit our Bi-weekly Report and lesson report. We carried out a survey about our current perception on teaching before we go to our respective schools.

Then, APCEIU managed our sim card and opening our bank accounts.

Then we had an ice breaking session where we introduce our selves and mingled with other people. Everyone responded that they were excited and looking forward to go through the programme. We were expressed how grateful we were as the APCEIU officers were very warm and welcoming.

 (picture) 

Then, we had a briefing on “Introduction to GCED and APCEIU” given by MS. Eom Jiong Min. The purpose of this program mme os to exchange ideas, methodologies and knowledge. GCED is Global Education  To have mutual understanding on Asia and Asia. All teachers are advised to be adaptive and flexible in the new modern environment. Educators are linked to one another. Hence, we have to prepare the next generation for global education. We were introduced to Sustainable Development Goals (achieved by 2030) and our focus is the 4^th goal, that is equity and sustainability in education.

Hence, education is a global agenda.

So, exchange programme is to find similarities and issues and always remind ourselves why we do this. 

4th Goal: 

4.7 ... promotion of culture of peace and non-violance, global citizenship and appreciaiton of cultural diversity and of culture's contribution to sustainable development. 

We are global educators.  

(picture)

After that, the APCEIU officer brough for dinner. We had Thai food. It was delicious.

(picture)

Then, we practiced our traditional dance performance for almost 4 hours, leaded by our talented choreographers, Lina, Tracy and Parthiban. It was tiring but were determined to make the whole performances looking excellent.

Our first day adventure ended with the dance practice as our final group activity. We are looking forward for tomorrow’s session for more input and other activities for more global sharing. 

Written by,
Alia Nur Dodgson