Philosophy and Education in Malaysia

Activity: English Language Month (February) 1. Public Speaking There are a lot of activities going on in IPG. In IPGKTI campus for example, there are various goings-on that is held by English Department. Those activities were held in order to help the TESL students to excel and provide them the right features to become an outstanding English learner. One of the activities that we found, is relate to the criteria of knowledgeable and skillful and competent teachers, is English Language Month. During our foundation year, we joined the activities as the participants but this time we are the organizer. Meaning, my batch that is 1 PISMP is the committee for English Language Month for 2012. During English Language Month, one of the activities the students of IPG have to participate is public speaking. For this activity, one specific committee members is assigned to conduct public speaking. The participants for this activity is from nonTESL student, which means all the teacher trainees from other courses have to send representative(s) from each class to take part in public speaking. This activity is suitable according to teachers criteria that are skillful and knowledgeable because not everyone can speak in front of the crowd and give a public speech. It takes courage and high confidence level to have that bravery. As for teacher-to-be, it is vital for them to have the ability to speak in public as it is one of the skills that teachers have to acquire. More important, by joining this activity teacher trainees is guided how to do public speaking correctly and to increase the teacher trainees confidence level. Plus, it really helps the participants on writing skill too. With various resources and plenty of information on the net, within a second they can get anything that they need. Thus, they are prepared and well exposed with this before going to the real teaching world. The public speaking activity is a free topic speech. The participants can choose whatever topic they want, as long as the topic is related to teaching profession and education. By means, this has indirectly encouraged them to search information on

the related issue to be put in their speech. This actually coincides with the branch of philosophy that is epistemology that is to produce a progressive and scientificallyoriented educator. Under this term, knowledge is always developing as a result of new things and innovations. It is the teachers responsibility is to acquire new knowledge so as not to be out-dated from others. It is clearly stated that by trying new things is necessary for a teacher trainees in order to prepare themselves for their future undertakings. They are well-equipped and will develop into holistic individuals who are able to contribute to family, society and nation itself. The activity was conducted in two weeks as the number of participants keeps increasing. This shows how supportive the participants are. Each day three speakers will deliver their chosen topic. As days passed, we can see that more people are attracted to join public speaking as they can see how this will help and aid them as a teacher-to-be in the future. Most of the participants are afraid and lack of confidence to speak in front of massive audience but as they start to talk, automatically their self-confidence level boost up. It was surprising to see the nonTESL teacher trainees to be able to speak that well. It is indeed a pride for IPGKTI to have such talent. In addition, with this participation too the students from other courses can strengthen the friendship between teacher trainees. TESL students can make friends with non-TESL students in the process. So far, this activity has become a successful event as the participation was impressive and encouraging. It is essential for a future teacher or anyone in the education fraternity upholds the National Philosophy of Education in carrying out their professional tasks and responsibility. In order to achieve and realize the mission set by IPG, prospective teachers must try to improvise and advance themselves and improve their performances. Despite the success of the activity held, there are still improvements that have to be done. The organization of the committee itself should be more firm. This is because the team itself it the heart of the department in ensuring that the activities conducted achieve the main goal and purpose. There may be some complication throughout the program but with

teamwork and determination, anything is possible. So, corporation and solidarity from each team members is important to ensure the task given is well done. Besides group collaboration, other things that have to be improved are the implementation schedule. This is because most of the participants are from different class and courses. It is inconvenient for some of them if the time for the activity is oppose and does not in line with their class schedules. Every aspect must take into account. (Tambah yang Mooner Yeepo punya pulak laa!) In conclusion, teachers are regarded as role models to the upcoming generations. In relation to this, undoubtedly, teachers must possess a very good and excellent personality. As the saying goes, Like father, like son. Simply this means that if children imitate their fathers or mothers behavior at home, pupils will similarly imitate their teachers action in school. Therefore, a good teacher will very likely influence the behavior and the actions of his or her pupils.