BASIC PRINCIPLE IN EDUCATION

LECTURER’S INTERVIEW REPORT

MATHEMATIC FACULTY

NUR FATIN SYAMIMI BINTI ZAMRI 2012265074

NOORUL FATIHAH BINTI A RAHMAN TANG 2012895088

NOOR FARAHANI BINTI MOHD LAZIM 2012296794

CLASS MPI020 2A

1.0 Introduction

As pre-TESL (Teaching English as Second Language) students, we are expected to be an

educator in the future. It doesn’t matter either as a school teacher or as a lecturer. Both of these

professions have the same responsibility is to educate students align with the National

Philosophy of Education’s purpose which is an on-going process of producing wholly developed

students in terms of physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually. Therefore, as a

preparation for us in becoming an educator, we need to do a research regarding what it takes in

becoming an educator by interviewing lecturers of UiTM Campus Alor Gajah.

The objectives of this research are to prepare us in becoming the future educator and as an

eye opener for us in what an educator really does. There were two lecturers that we had

interviewed which one of them have more than 3 years experience and the other one have less

than one and a half years experience. Both of these lecturers are from the Faculty of

Mathematic. Both of these lecturers were interviewed in their office during their free time. The

interviews were carried out and recorded in the same time using a voice recorder. All the three

of us interviewed the lecturers together and the documentation of the research was done together.

An educator is someone who delivers knowledge by educating or teaching his and her

students either inside the classroom or outside of the classroom in holistic manner. There are

three factors that make a great educator. First, great educators have a desire to see all students

learn. Second, great educators have passion for what they do and the third one is great educators

must be committed and dedicated in doing their work. (Ronald Claiborne, 2012) Educators must

have the desire to educate because students nowadays are much more challenging to teach rather

than the students before the 21st century. Everything is modernized nowadays and students

prefer to learn using the technology rather than traditional teaching method. Therefore, it will be

quite challenging for our new and seniors educators nowadays as they have to know what

interests the students and how to approach them effectively.

In instance, this research is really helpful for us in certain aspects. Firstly, this research

helps us to find out more about how to become a great educator. Secondly, this research helps us

in investigating how to handle disciplinary problems among students and organizing our teaching

plan. Thirdly, this research really helpful for us to know what we have to prepare before we

enter the class. Finally, this research is an eye opener for us to the reality of education world.

Lecturer’s Biodata

Madam Yusarima Bt. Miss Farah Yasmin Bt. Yahya

11 years teaching experience

Diploma in Mathematic

Degree in Mathematic

Master in Calculus (5 years)

Taught in UiTM Segamat (2006-2010)

Transferred to UiTM Alor Gajah (2010-2013)

1 ½ years teaching experience

Matriculation for 1 year

Degree in Mathematic

Master in Mathematic (1 year)

First time teaching in UiTM Alor Gajah

Fresh graduated

2.0 Literature Background

Issues and challenges are unavoidable for all people around the world. In all professions that

available in this world, there must be issues and challenges that they need to overcome to

produce better results. It is same goes to teaching profession. There are several issues and

challenges that teachers have to face in this modernized era. Three issues that are being

highlighted nowadays are teachers have too many workloads, the changes in language used to

teach Science and Mathematics (PPSMI) made by the government and the students’ behaviors.

Teachers nowadays have too many workloads that need to be settled each day and even

during the weekends. Teachers in today’s world are under a growing pressure to perform.

Higher expectations and greater needs now pressure the teachers to perform effectively in

classroom. (Hazri Jamil, Nordin Abd. Razak, Reena Raju & Abdul Rashid Mohamed, 2010) It

is because teachers are not only teaching and grading papers anymore. They need to fill up their

students’ record book, organize school events, become a judge in a competition and take care of

their students’ and schools’ welfare too. Teachers nowadays are expected to be able to do

multitasking and in the same time perform effectively in classroom. The pressure from the heap

of works on the teachers causes the students to perform poorly in their studies. Teachers are

often burdened with endless duties and chores besides the main task of teaching. Teachers

highlighted the lack of time as the greatest challenge in implementing effective professional

development. (Thang et al, 2010, restated by Hazri Jamil, Nordin Abd. Razak, Reena Raju &

Abdul Rashid Mohamed, 2010) It is because the teacher will come into the classroom and ask

the students to study by themselves so that the teacher can settle the paperwork at school instead

of settle the paperwork at home. The teacher and the students will perform poorly if this

situation often happens in our classroom. In conclusion, one of the issues a teacher needs to

face today is too many workloads.

The changes in language used to teach Science and Mathematics (PPSMI) made by the

government is one of the issues that are being highlighted these days. This issue is always being

talked each year since its implementation. The alteration of the language always has been made

by the government without considering the students and the teachers themselves. However, the

teachers are the most important people that the government should consider first. It is because

some Science and Mathematics teachers learn these subjects in Malay and some in English. The

terms used in English and Malay language are totally different. Even teachers can get confused

with these terms. It is unfortunate that many teachers are still not proficient in English but then

again, proficiency in any language requires continuous practice and requires a long time to

master. Short courses here and there will not guarantee proficiency and mastery. It has to be the

teacher’s individual effort, the school’s buddy system and support from the community

complementing each other and a long time that will help teachers be more proficient in English.

Proficiency breeds confidence and with confidence teachers will be more at ease to teach in

English. Five years is too short to show that both teachers and students are at ease listening to

and begin to communicate and comprehend the English language and the science and math

taught in English. (Dr. Jaafar Jantan, 2008) Hence, the government should decide which

language is easier for the students to use and make it fixed so that it will not be an issue for the

teachers. There are some prejudice thinking which are the students who do not have the

efficiency in English, they would prefer to learn in Malay and learn in English will not help them

to master the subject or even English language. These thinking are totally unacceptable as

students are getting better in English when they learn Science and Mathematics in English and

they master both of the subjects better than in Malay language. Hence, the government needs to

revise back the PPSMI’s policy and consider both teachers and students before making a

decision. In conclusion, changes in language used to teach Science and Mathematics (PPSMI)

made by the government are also one of the issues that a teacher faced.

Last but not least, the most common issue that a teacher faced is the students’ behavior.

There is a big comparison between the students in the 90’s and the students nowadays. It is

because the advancement and evolvement of technology that make the students nowadays are

expecting to learn or adapt something new and fresh from their teachers through the usage of

ICT rather than in traditional ways. Students learn better when they are interested in the subject

or the teacher who teach the subject. However, when the students are not interested in the

subject, they will sometimes throw tantrums toward the teacher or even totally outcast the

teacher. These students are what we call problematic students or lack of discipline students.

These students nowadays are so extreme up until the extend of hurting the teacher themselves,

flattening the teachers’ car tyres, smashing the teachers’ car mirror and so on. Challenging

behaviors such as these do meet some basic needs for a student. Students who act out do get

more attention, higher levels of physical contact, or escape from work. But while meeting their

immediate needs, disruptive behavior (such as aggression) interferes with others, especially in

inclusive settings. (Michael B. R. , Higgins C. , Glaeser J. C. B. , Patnode M. , 1998) Hence,

teachers need to be prepared mentally and physically in handling these extreme students so that

they do not easily get terrified by their threats and threaten remarks. Teachers need to know

what are their roles and to whom they can report these problematic students. The most important

thing is teachers should not be afraid of their students instead their students should be afraid and

respect their teachers. In conclusion, one of the issues that teachers have today is the students’

behavior.

In a nutshell, the students’ behavior, the changes in language used to teach Science and

Mathematics (PPSMI) made by the government and the teachers have too many workloads are

some of the issues that teachers are facing nowadays. These issues cannot be resolved if there

are no actions taken by the government and also by the teachers themselves. Therefore, first and

foremost, teachers need to know how to discipline their students either during class session or

outside of the class. There is no other way but only by discipline and rules implemented by the

school authorities that can make those problematic students to behave. Next, the government

should revise back the policy of the PPSMI. I believe that a modified PPSMI can change the

English proficiency shortcomings faced by universities and the workforce but most importantly,

the revised PPSMI can raise the standards of knowledge level of Malaysian citizens if the

instructional strategies are carefully aligned with the learning outcomes. It is a promising policy

to turn Malaysians into knowledge generators and knowledge exporters rather than just end-users

of knowledge. (Dr. Jaafar Jantan, 2008) Last but not least, the paperwork and the workloads

need to be lessened. This is to ensure teachers can perform in class and outside of the class. If

teachers are stressed out, of course the students are not interested in learning too. Therefore,

there must a balance between a teacher duties and an employee of a school duties. In

conclusion, the government and teachers should walk hand in hand to overcome these issues.

3.0 Interview Report

3.1 Comparison and Contrast of 2 Lecturers’ Views about What Makes an Educator.3.1.1 Transcription

LECTURER A LECTURER BQuestion 1: Describe the best lesson you have delivered. Why was it successful?

Question 1: Describe the best lesson you have delivered. Why was it successful?

Answer 1: The best lesson I have delivered was in year 2011. All of the students in my class passed their calculus paper with flying colours despite the changes of syllabus at that time. They were struggled to adapt with the new syllabus which was harder but they managed to do well. The easiness of Math depends on the students skills, knowledge, and how well they use their techniques to solve the problems given. Therefore, the first thing that I always do before teaching is I describe the terms on the topic that they will learn and how they related together with the techniques on how to solve the problems given. The explanation before starting the class is important because sometimes student will be misunderstood with the questions given and they will not answer correctly according to the questions. How the students answer the questions depends on the students situation themselves either they focus and understand or not the questions given.

Answer 1: The best lesson I have delivered was last semester. I taught a class of business statistics’ students. It was the best lesson because all of the students passed with flying colors and none of them have failed in this subject which I am teaching in. It was successful because there were two ways responds, the students were hard working and they did all of the exercises that were given to them.

Question 2: Have you developed any new ideas about teaching in the past few months? Describe one or two of them for us

Question 2: Have you developed any new ideas about teaching in the past few months? Describe one or two of them for us

Answer 2: For me, it is hard to develop new formulas or ideas because the formulas are already fixed and proven to be effective and easy to understand for the students. It is time consuming if I want to create a new formula

Answer 2: - First, I have prepared manuals, notes and exercises for my students. Some of the exercises I took them from the internet but I did some alterations to the materials to ensure it suits the students credibility.

for the students. Therefore, I just use the same ideas for my teaching in these past 11 years.

- Second, mathematic has many ways to solve its problems. Therefore, I prepared a few ways for my students to solve the problems and they can use any of the ways that they feel confident with and easy to apply to the questions given. Mathematic is a flexible subject because whatever ways that we choose to solve the problem, we will still get the same answers.

Question 3: How would you apply technology to enhance daily instruction and increase student learning?

Question 3: How would you apply technology to enhance daily instruction and increase student learning?

I would use power point to give the exercises that have long explanation to the questions to my students and to show them the precise shapes of the graphs and sometimes I will use it to show how to solve the problems given too. However, for Math it is better to teach the students in old school way which is using the white board to show them how to solve the problems as they will understand better and I do not have to worry about the symbols as computer do not have certain Math symbols.

Answer 3: None…

Question 4: How well organized are you? Why is organization important for a teacher?

Question 4: How well organized are you? Why is organization important for a teacher?

Answer 4: I am very particular when it comes about organizing. Organization is very important for an educator. As for me, starting this semester I am teaching new subject for calculus (MET 183). Therefore, I need to study everything that I need to know about this subject and be prepared beforehand. If I just directly teach my students without myself do not have a better grip on this subject, they will definitely have a hard time to understand what I am trying to teach them. I also will be puzzled to answer the questions if I do not familiarize myself with the questions and the ways how to solve the problems if I do not prepare and organize everything before I enter the class.

Answer 4: 1) As an educator, organization is very important. As for me, I always plan and prepare beforehand before I come to the campus the next day. It is because students can detect if you are well prepared or not when you enter the class. It is the first impression of me towards the students and I need them to feel confident with me to teach them.2) I will prepare my tutorial questions for my students and I will google other questions that available on the internet to give them more exercises needed. If I think the questions are quite difficult for my students, I will adjust and do some alterations to them and make sure they can solve the questions easily.

Question 5: What do you include in your daily lesson plans?

Question 5: What do you include in your daily lesson plans?

Answer 5: In my lesson plans, I would include which topic I want to teach to my students.

Answer 5: For my lesson plan, I will include tutorial questions. I will have a target which

After that, I would prepare what I want to say to my students for the introduction and how everything are relatable to each other. Then I would make sure that I will achieve the targets or objectives that I have for my students. I would make sure all of them will understand fully what I have teach them and I will give them further explanations if they do not fully understand.

my students need to solve the questions in the targeted duration and I will discuss the answers with them together after all of them have solved the questions. The duration given to my students to solve the problems are depending on their credibility either they can finish answering the questions within the time limit or not.

Question 6: Describe your philosophy regarding discipline.

Question 6: Describe your philosophy regarding discipline.

Answer 6: I am an easy going person. After teaching for 11 years, I can detect which students are problematic and which are not. I rarely have discipline issues in my class. It is because my philosophy regarding to discipline is if my students respect me, I will respect them back.

Answer 6: My students are already 19 years old and above. They know what are the pros and cons of their actions. Unfortunately, I am not the type of person who get angry easily. Therefore, my philosophy regarding to the discipline would be…

Question 7: What techniques would you see to handle discipline problems that may arise in your classroom?

Question 7: What techniques would you see to handle discipline problems that may arise in your classroom?

Answer 7: After 11 years of teaching, in each classes that I have taught every semester, there must be latecomers, talkative students and students who do not focus in my class. I would handle these students without giving any pressure on them but in the most delicate way which is I would approach them like a mother approaching her children. However, sometimes I can be a cold hearted person to them if the students are too stubborn and disrespectful to me.

Answer 7: Some of the discipline problems are not too serious in my classroom. As for me to discipline my students, I always threaten them to reduce the test marks if they did something that against my instructions.

Question 8: Share three interesting techniques used in the classroom.

Question 8: Share three interesting techniques used in the classroom.

Answer 8: 1.Sarcasm: This technique is used for my students who always talking during my lecture or texting or do not focus in my class 2. Punishment: I would ask the latecomers to sing in front of the classroom before they take a sit. 3.The hardest punishment that I did was I do not let the latecomers to enter my class even though they are 5 minutes late

Answer 8: 1) Sarcastic : Students who are always late and texting in my class, I will mention their name and say something to them like a friend but in a very sarcastic way. This technique makes them feel embarrass in front of their classmates and it works tremendously. 2) If the students are too annoying and they are too hard to handle, I will leave the classroom immediately to show to them that I am angry and they need to show some respect to me. Some of the students are too rude and

they do not listen to my instructions. They do not treat me like a lecturer instead they treat me like a friend. Therefore, for last semester, I did this technique and it worked on the students. I gained my respect from them and they never disobeyed and rude to me after that incident.3) If there is anything that bothers me from my students, I will stop the lesson and tell them a story about my life as a student before. I will compare their attitude with my friends and even my attitudes toward our lecturers. This technique causes them to do a self reflection and I will regain my respect from them after that.

Question 9: Why do you want to teach? Question 9: Why do you want to teach?Answer 9: Teaching is my passion since I was a child. It is the field that I always wanted to involve in despite the commitment and sacrifices that I have to made to become an educator. When my students did well in their studies and succeed in their life, I feel satisfied and proud for them and also for myself.

Answer 9: It is my passion and interest. I never thought of teaching before. I am only interested in mathematic. However, after I finished my matriculation, I was attracted to teaching. Therefore, I continue my studies for degree and master with the intention of becoming an educator.

Question 10: What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Question 10: What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Answer 10: The students respond when they understand what I have taught them and their result for tests or examination. It is because all of these are indicators for me either I did well in teaching them or not. I feel really satisfied and enjoy when they are nodding and smiling because they have understood what I have taught them and answer the questions easily.

Answer 10: I feel satisfied whenever I managed to deliver my knowledge to my students. They understand everything that I have taught them and they did well in their tests and final exam.

Question 11: Tell me three things you believe about teaching.

Question 11: Tell me three things you believe about teaching.

Answer 11: 1. You need to share and deliver whatever you have learnt to your students as they are your responsibilities. 2. Even though if one day I do not get paid for my teaching, I am still feel satisfied because I am truly passionate toward teaching. 3. Teaching sometimes can be stressful, however, if you see the positive side of it you will definitely be an excellent

Answer 11: 1)There must be two ways respond. 2) Sincerity is important to make sure both me and my students will benefit something from my teaching3) In whatever that we do, we must enjoy, never give up and love executing it.

educator.Question 12: What are your plans for continuing your professional growth?

Question 12: What are your plans for continuing your professional growth?

Answer 12: If God willing, I will further my studies in PhD in Mathemathic as soon as possible.

Answer 12: If God willing, I will further my studies in PhD while working as a lecturer here in UiTM Alor Gajah.

Question 13: What are your suggestions to new lecturers in terms of; How they can become better educators/lecturers teaching in UiTM?

Question 13: What are the difficulties that you face as a less experienced educator teaching in UiTM?

Answer 13: 1. They need to prepare before they enter the class. These new lecturers are still new to teaching, they cannot handle their nervousness in front of these students. They sometimes do not really feel confident in front of their students, therefore, they need to prepare, prepare and prepare.2. If they do not understand certain terms or ways on solving the problems, they need to seek for the senior lecturers to get further understanding and explanation regarding to their issues. 3. They need give further explanation to their students and not only read the notes given in the module.

Answer 13: 1) As I am a new lecturer here, I don’t have a wide range of knowledge and experience like the senior lecturers do, however, I am still doing my very best to deliver my knowledge to my students and help them in their studies.2) As I am one of the young lecturers here, many people expect something more from me. I am trying my hardest to reach their expectations and with God willing, I will go beyond their expectation.3) I am always being compared with the lecturers who have been taught for more than 10 years which is sometimes can be one of the reason why I feel unmotivated.

Question 14: What the institution (eg. academic, lecturers, staff, units) can do to help new lecturers?

Question 14: What are your hopes or expectations towards the institution (eg. academic, lecturers, staff, units) to help you become better educators?

Answer 14: 1. The senior lecturers can help them by make a special class for them if they do not understand certain topics.2. The coordinator, HEA or HEP should be able help them if they have any problems regarding to students, teaching, or the syllabus.3. UiTM can prepare workshops for the new educators so that they will be aware of any changes and challenges that they will face In each changes. They need to get a lot of briefings about the students, systems and the institution itself.

Answer 14: 1)Uitm needs to make a lot of workshops for the new educators so that they will be aware of any changes and challenges that they will face in each change. They need to get a lot of briefings about the students, systems and the institution itself.2) The manual given to use in the class and for the students must be updated and according to the latest syllabus.3) Provide textbooks for the students and lecturers4) Uitm needs to be aware of the latest syllabus and knowledge that the students need to learn. If needed, reorganize the syllabus and create a new one so that the students are updated with the latest knowledge that they

need to learn.

3.1.2 Report3.1.2.1 Similarities

Both of the lecturers have the same personalities which are warm-hearted, sincere

and open-minded. For Mrs. Farah, she was very warm-hearted and anticipated our interview.

Thus, we felt eager to interview her. Even though she is a young junior lecturer, she has shown

us a very matured thinking and how dedicated she is in her job. Her personality has inspired us

that age does not matter if we really want to excel in this field. As for Madam Yusarima, we can

see the same personality in her which exists in Mrs. Farah too. Her dedication for work is

overflowing. Even when we are in the middle of interview, when her colleague called her to ask

a few question regarding Calculus she excused herself in order to help the colleague. It shows

how dedicated and sincere she is in educating people.

On the other hand, they also use the same discipline technique in their class. Both of them

think that kicking the students out from the class is not a good solution to make the students

behave instead it will fabricates more problems. For example, students love to play with their

phone nowadays even when the lecturer is teaching. They did not have a respect towards their

lecturer. Thus, these two lecturers did sarcasm techniques. However, if they still do not listen,

Mrs. Farah and Madam Yusarima will take an action towards them for instance, consult them if

they have any problem or give them counseling. They would handle these students without

giving any pressure on them but in the most delicate way which is they would approach them

like a mother approaching her children.

Aside from that, Mrs. Farah and Madam Yusarima both are using the same technology.

Since they are Mathematics and Calculus, it is quite difficult to teach the students by using wide

arrays of technology. Madam Yus would use power point to give the exercises that have long

explanation to the questions and show them the precise shapes of the graphs and sometimes she

will use it to show how to solve the problems given too. However, for Math it is better to teach

the students in old school way which is using the white board to show them how to solve the

problems as they will understand better and I do not have to worry about the symbols as

computer do not have certain Math symbols. Plus, they also use LCD to show the students a few

examples of questions.

Lastly, their planning skills which are kind of similar to each other. Madam Yus recently

are assigned to teach new subject for Calculus (MET 183) ) therefore, she need to study

everything that she needs to know about this subject and be prepared beforehand. She would

familiarized herself with numerous kind of question so it will be faster for her to master this

subject and teach her students effectively. Madam Yus lesson plans also include topic that she

wants to teach that particular day then, she would brief her students about the topic and explain

how it is relatable. Then she would make sure that she will achieve the targets or objectives that

she has for her students. The same goes for Miss Farah, she will prepare tutorial questions for her

students and she will Google other questions that available on the internet to give them more

exercises needed. If she thinks the questions are quite difficult for her students, she will adjust

and do some alterations to them and make sure they can solve the questions easily. She also will

have a target which her students need to solve the questions in the targeted duration and she will

discuss the answers with them together after all of them have solved the questions. The duration

given to her students to solve the problems are depending on their credibility either they can

finish answering the questions within the time limit or not.

3.1.2.2 Differences

As we done interviewing these two lovely lecturers, we recognized that their teaching

techniques are totally different. Miss Farah prefers to play pop quizzes and battle between sexes

to encourage them to be more competitive because the students seemed to give a great feedback

toward this activity. It also helps em to reinforce their calculation skills and their memory in

memorizing the formulas. However, Madam Yusarima favors the traditional methods of teaching

more. If she wants to give an exercise, she just simply gives them handouts. She has never tried

to make any games yet but she is looking forward to make some changes in her teaching

techniques.

Another vast difference between Miss Farah and Madam Yusarima is their commitment.

Since Madam Yusarima is a married woman, she will have to divide her time wisely between

family and work. Madam Yusarima said it is slightly difficult for her to make an extra class

during nights because she has to spend time with her daughters and sons too. However, she has

made several extra classes already. She acknowledge that her job as an educator require a lot of

sacrifice and patience. Different from Miss Farah who is still single, she gave all her

commitment in educating her students. She made classes when her student want to have class

and she also made an extra class during weekend or at night with the students who got low marks

in test.

Madam Yusarima is a senior lecturer who has 11 years of teaching experience. She

always gives a hand for her colleagues whom need her help. Apart from that, Miss Farah has

been teaching for 2 years and she is a new lecturer, she admitted she don’t have a wide range of

knowledge and experience like the senior lecturers do, however, she is still doing her very best to

deliver her knowledge to her students and help them in their studies. Miss Farah also stated that

she always being compared with the lecturers who have been taught for more than 10 years

which is sometimes can be one of the reason why she feel unmotivated.

3.1.2.3 Suggestions and Comments by Lecturers.

LECTURER A: Madam Yusarima

Madam Yusarima gives a lot of suggestion regarding the tips to become a great educator

and how they can improve themselves. She said the junior lecturers need to understand certain

terms or ways on solving the problems, they need to seek for the senior lecturers to get further

understanding and explanation regarding to their issues. Furthermore, they need give further

explanation to their students and not only read the notes given in the module. Moreover, the

coordinator, HEA or HEP should be able help them if they have any problems regarding to

students, teaching, or the syllabus. She also suggested that UiTM to prepare workshops for the

new educators so that they will be aware of any changes and challenges that they will face In

each changes. They need to get a lot of briefings about the students, systems and the institution

itself.

She also commented that we, as a future educator need to explore these young

generations’ world nowadays. It will be easier for us to approach our students if we can interact

with our students by exchanging opinions in different issues related to their generation.

Then, we also need to be prepared mentally and physically because not all students are fast

learners. It can be stressful sometimes if there are no responds from our students but we need to

keep calm and do not get angry. The most crucial thing is, we need to be prepared to sacrifice

our time by preparing the materials for our students and grading their papers. To conclude,

commitment is everything in teaching, without commitment you cannot excel both in your

carrier and your own personal life.

LECTURER B: Miss Farah

Miss Farah suggested that Uitm needs to make a lot of workshops for the new educators

like her so that they will be aware of any changes and challenges that they will face in each

change. They need to get a lot of briefings about the students, systems and the institution itself.

Next, the manual given to use in the class and for the students must be updated and according to

the latest syllabus. Plus, they also need to provide textbooks for the students and lecturers.

Lastly, UiTM need to be aware of the latest syllabus and knowledge that the students need to

learn. If needed, reorganize the syllabus and create a new one so that the students are updated

with the latest knowledge that they need to learn.

She said in her comment regarding the tips to become a great educator, first and

foremost, we need to have passion in teaching then sincerity is important since teaching needs a

lot of patience and virtue. We also need to have high expectation toward our students and feel

confident with them to ensure they will try their best in whatever they are doing.

4.0 What We Have Learnt From the Assignment

o Communication Skills

o Manners

o Teaching is not as easy as it looks

o Patience is important

This assignment has given us a lot of knowledge on what the world of educating and how

to adapt in it. As we interviewed the lectures, it is proven to us that educating is a serious matter

and must be guided with seriousness, dedication and determination. As we are required to

interview the lectures who fulfil the criteria needed, we have improved our communication

skills. Among peers, our communication skills lack of profesionalisme as we do not take each

other seriously. However, as we interviewed and interacted with the lecturers, we have

discovered a form of profesional communication skills which is useful to use in the near future.

Besides that, we developed better manners. As the fellow lecturers are older than we are,

it is important to be polite and graceful. When we were needed to interview the lecturers, first of

all, we searched for their phone numbers so that we could arrange an appointment. After

agreeing on the time and venue, we remembered to thank the lecturers for willingly to be

interviewed by us. We ensured that we arrived at the venue minutes before the actual time so

that we would not be late. Even we bought some gifts for the lecturers as a sign of thanks and

gratitude (however, we did not get anything for Miss Farah as we forgot).

Other than that, we discovered that teaching is not as easy as it looks. One can’t simply

stand in front of a class, face the students and speak out facts like a robot. Such as the quote ‘The

Mediocre Teacher Tells, The Good Teacher Explains, The Superior Teacher Explains, The Great

Teacher Inspires’.

And last but not least, the importance of patience. It is common to have students who

will come late to class, ask silly questions or even create havoc in class. A teacher must remain

calm and cool. If a teacher over reacts, the outcome will not turn out good. Hence, it is

important to be patient. Even in our religion, Islam, states that patience is a virtue.

4.1 What We Like

o Lecturers attitude ( heart-warming, welcoming, open minded )

o Exchange point of views

o Gain knowledge

During the interview, not only did we just interview them about the world of an educator,

we also were able to interact and get close the fellow lecturers. Even though things got serious at

first, we were able to see the soft side of the lecturers. We even exchanged stories. Both of the

lecturers had nice attitudes. They were heart-warming, welcoming and even open minded.

After the interview, as the lecturers had more free time, we exchanged point of views on

like how to become a good educator, what to do to become educators and how to survive the life

of a university student.

As we were able to interact with each other, heart – to – heart, we actually gained a lot of

knowledge. For example, the life of a student and the life of an educator.

4.2 Challenges

o Find the lecturers who fulfil the criteria needed

o Misunderstanding

o Lack of cooperation

o Finding the suitable souvenir/present for the lecturers

It would be a lie if we say that the assignment was a ‘breeze’. As the criteria needed was

to interview a lecturer who had experience of 1 ½ years and a lecturer of experience of 3 ½

years, there was a lot of calls made. Most of the lectures who were willingly to be interviewed

did not match the criteria and those who did match were not plenty full.

Other than that, there slight misunderstanding. As one of us called a suitable lecturer and

asked if the lecturer was free, the lecturer said she was free. However, she did not mean she was

free to be interviewed. She was actually free if one of her students wanted to meet her and ask

about the assignments. In the end, the caller got scolded.

Moving on, there was an issue on lack of cooperation. There were quite a few lecturers

who did match the criteria. However, they refused to be interviewed.

And lastly is the search of the gifts. As this is our first experience on interviewing, we

had no idea on what to give them. Fortunately, the area near the faculty had an open fair so we

brought some eatables for them.

4.3 Our Comments

o Challenging

o Time consuming / tiring

o Enhance interaction skills

o Eye opener to what makes an educator

We all agree that the assignment given has been quite a heck of a challenge. We have to

search for the suitable lecturers, give them a heads up call, organize venues and appointments,

walk long distances under the scorching sun, get gifts and plenty more.

The assignment has been quite time consuming and also very tiring. However, all is for a

good cause.

By interviewing with profesionalisme, we had developed and enhanced our interaction

skills.

The interview has also given us an eye opener on what lies beyond the world of an

educator.

5.0 Conclusion