Step by step journey to become a teacher through IPG

Afterschool.my encourages youngsters to write about their experiences and opinions. As a kick start for the new year, Ahmad Aiman Bin Mohamed shares his journey of becoming a teacher in Institut Pengajian Guru (IPG).

(This post has been edited for clarity).

1. Mental and physical test.

Candidates are required to undergo Ujian Kelayakan Calon Guru (UKCG) which aims to test your physical and mental readiness as a teacher. The test is divided into two parts; the first part is to sit for INSAK test (Ujian Sahsiah Keguruan), while the second one is a fitness test. If candidates have illness that hinders you from performing the physical test, you can inform the facilitators in charge and ensure that you have your medical report or doctor's confirmation letter.

2. Attending the interview.

The attire that you wear needs to portray the characteristics of a teacher. Male candidates are encouraged to wear collar t-shirt, black slack pants and a tie. On the other hand, female candidates are recommended to wear baju kurung or blouse and long skirts.

In terms of certificates arrangements in the file, the certificates should be arranged from the highest education level to the lowest.

There are 3 interview sessions, 2 sessions will be conducted individually while the third session is conducted in a group of 8 to 9 people. During the group interview, candidates will be given a topic to discuss.

The most frequently asked question during the individual interview session is, "Why do you want to be a teacher? Be creative when answering such questions and most importantly, speak from your heart. Your honesty when answering questions helps the interviewer to see your passion in becoming a teacher.

One important tips to be highlighted during the group interview session is to always take turns to talk. Never conquer the entire conversation as the interviewers are evaluating your speaking style, eye contact and tolerance. Always remember to give logical answers and try not to speak out of topic.

3. The orientation.

The one week orientation acts as an ice breaking session for new students to get to know one another. New students are required to wear white shirt and black pants/skirts during the orientation period.

4. Transition from PPISMP to PISMP.

The first year in IPG is known as PPISMP, which is somehow similar to asasi. After the one year preparation program has ended, IPG students will go through a 4 years degree program called Program Ijazah Sarjana Muda Perguruan (PISMP).

5. Timeline in IPG.

Students who enrolled in June 2015 will finish PPISMP in June 2016. After the mid year school holiday in June ends, the first semester of the degree program (PISMP) will begin. Moreover, the holidays in IPG are exactly the same with public schools.

6. Assessment method.

There are a total of 8 subjects in the first semester in PPISMP. This means that there are 8 assignments to be completed. 5 subjects are on-going assessments only (tests plus assignments), with no final examinations. The remaining 3 core subjects involve both assignments and final examinations.

7. Class schedule.

Different courses have distinct timetables. Classes are conducted on Monday to Friday every week. Moreover, classes may be conducted on weekends too. The time that classes start is flexible, as it could start at 7.45 am or 11.00 am. On the other hand, classes ends at 4.00 pm everyday, except for Wednesdays whereby classes end at 12.00 pm.

Read it in his own words here.