A Multiculturalism Perspective: Identity-Related Problems in a Plural Society As Experienced by the Protagonist of Lian Gouw's Only A Girl

Abstract

At the English Department (ED), Faculty of Language and Literature (FLL) of Satya Wacana Christian University (SWCU), every student is prepared to become a professional teacher. Nevertheless, becoming a good teacher is not easy. Thus, by providing a program which is known as Teaching Practicum (TP), the students are given a real teaching experience in class and expected to develop their teaching competence. In this study, 7 ED students which are known as Student Teachers (STs) who took teaching practicum program on Semester 1- 2013/2014 were selected as participants. The aim of this study was to find out the challenges that they faced during their TP. The data were collected by analyzing STs? Self Reflection Journals (SRJs) and interviewing the STs. This study revealed that the STs faced four major challenges. The biggest challenge which has the highest level of stress was about classroom management and student discipline. The second highest level of stress was classroom teaching such as time management, unprepared materials, and mastery of subject matter. Next, personal concerns appeared as the third highest level of stress. After personal concern, there was evaluation or grading as the least challenge with the lowest level of stress.