Miss Safia was a student of SMKTUN before she left for SM Sains Muar in 2005. Presently she is pursuing her degree course in Bachelor of Education in Science. She was back in school as a replacement teacher recently. So it was a good chance to interview another ex-student who had the chance to teach her old school.
What made you accept the post of temporary teacher here?
To gain experience before I start my teaching practice and also learn how to control class and the students' behaviour.
So how did you find teaching?
Teaching requires us to be more tolerant and patient with students. Teaching can be fun if students are interested to learn.
How would you compare SMKTUN now and the past?
The facilities in school are much better. There are many new teachers around. They are all very kind, friendly and committed with their work. The students' discipline is alright.
What were the challenges that you faced while teaching?
To control students who were not interested to study. Sometimes, they make noise in class and disturb their friends. These kinds of behaviour are really annoying and disturb the learning process.
Did you find being a temporary teacher helpful?
Yes. It is really helpful. I have gained a new experience and now I realize that it is not that easy to be a teacher.
Do you have any advice for the students?
Students need to appreciate the teachers' effort to give them knowledge. They also have to appreciate whatever their parents have done for them. Do study smart for excellent results in examinations.
Thank you Miss Safia for your short stay but your contribution is really appreciated. We wish you the very best of luck in the future undertakings.
Zubair was here from as a student from 2000-2004, so he is a pure product of the school. Early this year I met him as a replacement teacher teaching English, replacing Puan Umi who was on maternity leave. Zubair was studying in Perth for his degree and is yet to complete his study soon. On his last day in school (as a teacher), I decided to interview him and this could be an interesting read for my blog readers. So here it goes:
during the interview session
When you were first offered to take up the job, were you forced to do so?
At first, I felt that I was forced in a way, but I decided to give it a try. After some time I got used to it.
What would be the toughest thing to do?
To make the students learn. Some of them just refused. They did not want to do their work or focus in class, especially the weak ones. If compared to other subjects, they were more willing to try but not English.
Did this change your perspective towards teaching?
Yes. Before this I always thought that to be a teacher is just teaching. But there are a lot of other things that need to be done such as establishing relationship with students.
Does this make you appreciate teachers more?
Definitely. I have now seen the life of a teacher from a different point of view.
How do you find the school now if compared to the time you were here?
There are just too many students that may make a few things a bit disorganized. For example, during assembly the teachers are scattered everywhere.
If you are given the chance to take up teaching in the future, will you do it?
I will consider.
Do you think that many girls have fallen in love with you?
Yes, based on the FB requests that I get every day.
Do you have any advice to the students?
My advice to all the students is to treasure your time in school when you all still have the chance to do so...like they say, you never know what you have till it is gone.
SMTUN sekolah tercinta
[translate: SMTUN my beloved school]
So we wish Zubair all the best of luck for your future undertakings, do come back often. I guess I should get more people to be interviewed in the future.
