FORMAT OF A JOURNAL WRITING

Apart from preparing the teaching and learning materials, teachers are required to write weekly
journals for 12 consecutive weeks of their practicum. So, what are the contents of a weekly
journal? Generally, there are 7 main points that need to be highlighted:
1. Problem - What are the problems that a teacher face for a particular week during
practicum?
2. Analysis - Why do the problems occur?
3. Suggestions for Improvement - How to overcome the problems?
4. Duration - How long does it need to resolve the problems?
5. Assessment of Success - Does the teacher manage to work out on his/her problems
by executing the suggestions?
6. Further Action - What else can the teacher do overcome the problems?
7. Conclusion / Reflection - What can be learned from the problems? How does the
problems become beneficial to the teacher?

SAMPLE OF A JOURNAL WRITING

Problem
It was already week four but I still have trouble with planning the right activities for the teaching
and learning sessions. This problem occurs before every lesson took place. I am facing a lot of
difficulties to come out with a suitable activity for the level of my students and I am spending
inordinate time to think and plan the activity. Coincidently, as the schools Athletic Manager, my
colleague and I needed to take nine students to the Majlis Perbandaran Sepang (MPS) Stadium
on Thursday, 4 March 2010 so that they can practice and make preparation for the MSSD in the
athletics events. The MSSD is going to be held on 31 March 2010 and 1 April 2010. Besides, as
the treasurer of the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA), I also needed to prepare, check
and finalize the 2009 Financial Report prior to the PTA General Meeting that was held on
Sunday, 7 March 2010. For that reason, I am feeling at a loss of thinking, searching and finding
ideas of varying the activities for my teaching and learning sessions that will suit my students
level. This problem really troubles me as I am worried that students will be bored stiff with the
techniques and methods that I normally apply in class.

Analysis
This problem continues to exist because I am thinking too much about my practicum duty and at
the same time, I also need to accomplish other school workload that has been assigned to me
and fulfill my duty as a teacher in this school. I have bought many books and do a lot of
research from the internet to find teaching ideas for my lesson. I know that the teaching and
learning session is trial and error lesson for me to see whether or not an idea is suitable for my
students. However, I am still scared to put the ideas to the test because I always think that the
activities suggested are not suitable for my students level and that they will not enjoy the
activities. This problem really upsets me and I am feeling guilty towards my students as I think

that I do not deliver my lesson well. At times, I can see their unenthusiastic face and subtle
reluctance to get involved in the activity that has been planned. I can also feel their boredom
during my lesson.

Suggestions for Improvement

There are several ways that could be done to overcome the problem mentioned earlier:

I need to make an in-depth thinking while preparing for the activity to be implemented in
my teaching and learning session. I have to imagine the real situation and ask myself,
How will the students respond towards this activity?

I need to seek help and support from my supervising lecturer, my cooperating teacher,
the senior teachers or those who are more experienced, to discuss on the best way to
overcome my difficulties.

I have to make a lot of research by referring to plenty of reference books and the internet
before coming up with an activity.

Duration
I will try to overcome my problems soonest possible; that is prior to week five of practicum. I
realize that if I am unable to manage these problems immediately, the situation might spoil and
jeopardize the achievement of the learning objectives in the teaching and learning activity that is
planned in the daily lesson plan.

Assessment of Success

I will need the assistance from my cooperating teacher and colleagues to assess the
effectiveness and success of my handling the problems. I will also need to do some selfassessment to solve these matters.
Further Action
I need to be resourceful in planning activities which will suit the curriculum specifications and the
learning objectives within the time stipulated. I will always seek guidance and help from my
supervising lecturer, my cooperating teacher and other colleagues who have been wonderful
assistance so far. I need to be bold in trying new ideas and be optimist by giving my students
chances to get involved in the new activities.

Conclusion / Reflection
I realize that I am new to teaching English. I always have to remember that trial and error goes a
long way towards perfecting my teaching style. So, I need to ask questions when I am
struggling. Alan Alda, an American actor, director and screenwriter in the 70s and 80s,
quotes: Laugh at yourself, but don't ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you
embark for strange places, don't leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into
unexplored territory.