BananaTalk - Lita Mariana’s Weblog

I just started to teach chemistry for advanced level 6 months ago. Comprehending the material is such a struggle. Looking at 10^th grade students who were very surprised and discouraged when seeing their past papers (examination problem sheet) for the first time, I really understand how they feel.

And I can use my own experience when the first time I saw the past paper to encourage them, that they only need time and more practice to get themselves used to it, being able to interpret questions well, and answer properly.

Not that I can get full perfect score now haha… I just get used to it and not feel so 'intimidated', scared, and discouraged anymore. I still need a lot (and I really mean a LOT) of improvements and help for a better understanding on chemistry.

There are chemistry teachers' workshop available, held by MGMP or the school's own initiative. But I can not attend this workshop which only listed regular teachers (by 'regular' I mean 'kelas biasa' which is not 'kelas internasional' having different curriculum and set of rules). I was a bit disappointed back then, before I was told that international class' teachers have their own international workshop and development course.

Therefore I was so relieved to know that there will be a 1^st stage teacher training coming soon this April in Jakarta. By the term '1^st stage' it means the training aims at relatively new teacher staff who has not attend any training before. (Even before I attend this 1st stage, I already hope I can attend next stages even if they were held somewhere else around the globe hehehe… )

The training will be held for advanced level chemistry, economics and mathematics. I applied as soon as possible and gladly I can sit in before it reaches quota. Here is the reply from CTS group:

Dear Lita
 
Many thanks for your recent online booking for a place on the International AS/A Level Chemistry (9701) professional development course, Jakarta, Indonesia on 7-8 April 2008.

This email confirms that you are registered and approved to attend this course. We will email you after 18 March 2008 with further course information.

Kind regards,
 
 
Anna Sheil
Training Events Coordinator
Curriculum and Teacher Support Group
University of Cambridge International Examinations
1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU, United Kingdom
Website: www.cie.org.uk

And the next email they've promised includes course programme, course preparation (materials I should bring when attending the course), some note and policy, and venue detail:

Raffles International Christian School.
Jl. Gedung Hijau Raya I no.1,
Pondok Indah South Jakarta,
Indonesia.
 
Tel: 62 21 75903342
Fax: 62 21 75903414

Never been there before. Seems so far away from my house  

So students, I shall take permit for not attending your class at 7-8 April. There will be substitute teacher(s) and I will leave some work for you. Be good and behave, OK?

Wish me luck, friends. I hope I can teach and share chemistry better after this training.