My fourth day in Lamongan—and my second full day of observing classes at MI Tarbiyatul Banat—was filled with learning, both inside and outside the classroom. With each passing day, I’m gaining a deeper understanding of how education is practiced in Indonesia and how it reflects the culture, values, and spirit of the people. Today wasn’t just about observation—it was about connection, comparison, and meaningful reflection.
As always, the day began in a peaceful and sacred atmosphere. I joined the students and teachers inside the mosque, which stands within the school’s compound. The children performed their morning prayer with a sense of calm discipline that I deeply admired. After the prayer, I stood alongside the teachers as the students began what has become one of my favorite morning rituals—kissing the hands of their teachers. This simple gesture carries so much meaning. It’s a sign of respect, gratitude, and recognition of the teacher’s role in shaping their future. In that moment, I felt proud to be part of the teaching profession. Throughout the morning, I observed various classes from Kelas 1 to Kelas 6. Each class was unique in energy and style, but what remained constant was the warmth of the students and the gentle, respectful way teachers interacted with them. I noticed how teachers would often integrate moral and spiritual values into the lessons, pausing for short prayers or reflections, even during subjects like mathematics or reading. It wasn’t disruptive—it was part of the natural flow, and it created a calm and purposeful classroom environment. One thing I appreciated was how class sizes were small, allowing for more focused attention on each child. The high-ceilinged classrooms gave an airy, open feel, and the learning atmosphere was both structured and nurturing. Today, I also had the opportunity to closely observe my cooperating teacher during his Bahasa Inggris (English) class. As a fellow educator-in-training, this was a valuable moment for me. I paid close attention not only to what he taught, but how he delivered the lesson—his classroom management, pacing, student engagement, and use of teaching aids. After the class, I completed an observation and performance rating based on the SEA Teacher evaluation format. I was pleasantly surprised to see that many of the strategies used in Indonesian classrooms mirror those used in Filipino schools—especially in the flow of the lesson, which typically follows a structured path: warm-up, presentation, guided practice, and assessment. What impressed me the most was how time-conscious the teachers are. They’re very mindful of sticking to the schedule while still ensuring that every student gets to participate, even if it’s just through a quick answer, a group activity, or a short recitation. It showed a clear effort to keep the learning experience inclusive and interactive. It was encouraging to witness these similarities. It reminded me that good teaching practices transcend borders, and that, as future educators, we are part of a shared goal—to inspire and uplift young minds. At 12:00 noon, the classes came to an end. But before the students left for home, they gathered again for prayer and Qur’an reading, closing the school day just as peacefully as it began. What I found unique here is the balance between learning and resting. At MI Tarbiyatul Banat, afternoons are free for students and teachers to return home and rest—a practice that promotes wellness and family time. However, I learned that in other partner schools in Lamongan, students stay until 2:00 PM to participate in extra-curricular activities, ranging from scouting and religious study to arts and sports.
This thoughtful rhythm of the school day emphasizes not only academic achievement but spiritual nourishment and emotional well-being. As I reflect on today, I’m reminded once again of how education is deeply tied to culture. I’ve seen that respect, discipline, and spiritual grounding are at the heart of Indonesian education—and yet, I also see the universal qualities that all educators value: structure, participation, creativity, and care. This journey has been more than just a teaching practicum. It’s a cultural immersion, a soulful exchange, and an opportunity to grow as a future teacher and a global citizen. To my cooperating teacher, thank you for being an example of passionate teaching. To the students, thank you for your warm smiles. And to MI Tarbiyatul Banat—thank you for opening your doors and hearts to me.
