Umair Hassan Journal

I am Umair Hassan from Lahore, Pakistan, my background lies in computer science, with a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree. However, my passion for education extends beyond the technical realm. For the past five years, I have served as a Trainer at a leading Pakistani institute offering technology education. In this role, I have not only nurtured my expertise in mobile app development using platforms like Xamarin and Flutter, but more importantly, I have honed my skills in leadership, strategic planning, and fostering academic excellence. Witnessing the transformative power of education firsthand has ignited a desire within me to expand my impact beyond the borders of Pakistan.

My contributions extend beyond teaching. As a former Community Contributor and Author at C-Sharp Corner, I have authored over 50 articles and an e-book that garnered over 2.5 million views, earning me the recognition of Most Valuable Professional (MVP). This experience instilled in me the importance of clear and engaging communication, a vital skill for any educator.

After returning to Pakistan I will be implementing best practices for international education. I envision the creation of a platform for online technical education accessible to students worldwide. My ultimate goal is to combine education with technology and bridge the gap between fast technological advancements and teaching methodologies.

The International Teacher program at Thomas More perfectly aligns with my vision for personal development and professional growth. The program's focus on English as an Additional Language (EAL) instruction is particularly appealing, as it equips me to cater to a wider range of international students. Furthermore, the program's emphasis on hands-on experience through internships resonates deeply with my teaching philosophy.

The program's unique offerings, such as trainee programs, coaching opportunities, workshops, and guest lectures on diverse international educational systems, provide invaluable exposure to 21st-century international classroom skills which will help in my personal and professional development.

Reflective Methodology:

Compass Points:
Compass Points works well to explore various sides and facets of a proposition or idea before taking a stand or expressing an opinion.

1. E = Excited What excites you about this idea or proposition? What’s the upside? 
2. W = Worrisome What do you find worrisome about this idea or proposition? What’s the downside? 
3. N = Need to Know What else do you need to know or find out about this idea or proposition? What additional information would help you to evaluate things? 
4. S = Stance or Suggestion for Moving Forward What is your current stance or opinion on the idea or proposition? How might you move forward in your evaluation of this idea or proposition?

Reflections:

Welcome Days:

When I got admission to Thomas More, I was aware of upcoming welcome days. I have managed to arrive in Mechelen a few days before so I will settle up and prepare myself for welcome days. I will reflect these days using the compass points reflection methodology.

East: Excitements

• Welcoming Atmosphere: The staff was very welcoming on welcome days, I was able to get the student card on the first day. and don't have to do any other paperwork. The process was very smooth as per my expectations.
• Cultural Exchange: I have met people from different cultures, speaking different languages and interacting with students from various backgrounds was exciting.
• Learning Opportunities: The introductory sessions provided valuable information about the university and course.
• Fun Activities: The icebreakers and games helped me relax and meet new people.

West: Worries

• Climate Adjustment: The unfamiliar climate might have been challenging for some students.
• Information Overload: The amount of information presented during the welcome days could have been overwhelming.

North: Needs

• Additional Support: Providing resources or guidance for international students adjusting to a new culture and environment.
• Feedback Mechanism: A platform for students to share their experiences and suggestions for improving future welcome days.
  

South: Stance, Steps, or Suggestions

• Stance: Overall, the welcome days were a positive experience.
• Steps: Implement a more efficient system for students; KuLoket and Canvas should be available in English as well. So we will be able to understand things more quickly instead of remembering them.

Museum Weekend:

We visited the museum on the 5th of October, It was my first tour of Brussels and I enjoyed it a lot. Also, it was my first trip to any science museum as well. 

East: Excitements

• Fascinating Exhibits: The museum's collection of fossils, stones, and extinct species, such as the extinct turtles and dinosaurs, was incredibly interesting and informative.
• Interactive Elements: The hands-on activities and games, like the multiplayer tasks and games related to urban planning and environmental improvement, made the experience engaging and enjoyable.
• Inspiration: Learning about biodiversity, the importance of parks, and the impact of environmental changes was inspiring and motivated me to take action to protect our planet.

West: Worries

• Language Barrier: The lack of English signage or audio guides made it difficult to fully appreciate some of the exhibits, especially for visitors who do not speak Dutch or French.

North: Needs

• More Information: Additional context or explanations for certain exhibits, such as the specific types of fossils or the geological periods they represent, would have enhanced the learning experience.

South: Stance, Steps, or Suggestions

• Stance: The museum visit was a valuable learning experience, it was accessible to all types of people its design was very fascinating. but there are areas where it could be improved to cater to a wider audience and provide an even more enriching experience.
• Steps:
• Multilingual Accessibility: Provide multilingual signage or audio guides, including English, to accommodate visitors who do not speak Dutch or French.
• Educational Enhancements: Offer educational workshops or guided tours to provide additional context and insights into the exhibits.

Statement:

As a computer science teacher, I am committed to creating a learning environment that makes abstract concepts accessible, engaging, and enjoyable. I believe that computer science is not only a foundational skill but also an empowering tool that enables students to think critically, solve problems creatively, and collaborate effectively.

My approach to teaching is grounded in play-based learning, where students engage in hands-on activities that encourage exploration and experimentation. Through games, interactive projects, and real-world simulations, I aim to demystify complex topics, helping students to intuitively grasp programming concepts and critical thinking. This playful approach increases curiosity lowers barriers to entry in technical fields, and enhances problem-solving.

In my classroom, I view students as active contributors to their own learning and encourage them to work together on coding challenges and group projects. This cooperative environment not only builds technical skills but also instils a sense of community, respect, and shared responsibility. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire a lifelong interest in computer science, empowering students to adapt technology creatively and responsibly as they navigate our digital world.

Microteaching:

 Lesson Plan

Age Group:	10 - 12 Years
Standard:	5th or 6th Standard
Subject:	Computer Science
Topic:	Introduction to Basic Coding Concepts

Learning Objective:

Students will understand what coding is, why it is important, and how it applies to everyday items. They will also learn what pseudo-code is and write their simple pseudo-code for a given task.

Lesson Outline:

• Introduction
• What is Coding?
• Why is Coding Important?
• Everyday Items That Use Coding.
• Introduction to Pseudo Code.

• Activity: Writing a Simple Pseudo Code (10 Minutes):
• Outro/Conclusion 

• Summarize: "Today, we learned what coding is and why it’s important. We also practised writing pseudo code, which helps us plan our steps before coding."

Pedagogical Approach:

Play-Based and Cooperative Learning

My lesson plan incorporates play-based learning by using a fun, hands-on activity to engage students. It also includes cooperative learning, as students work in groups to brainstorm and write their own pseudo-code, encouraging collaboration and discussion.

Reflection on my presentation:

I was a bit nervous at the start of the presentation, but as time passed I was very comfortable with the settings. The whole presentation goes beyond my expectations. The class was listening very carefully. They all participated in the activity and loved the activity.  and more importantly, I was able to finish it in the given time my main objective was delivered successfully and the goal was accomplished as the students were aware of the concepts of pseudo code.

Medals:

I have got a lot of medals. The student loves the activity. They are now aware of a lot of new things in daily life that use coding.

Missions:

I was a bit uncomfortable at the beginning. and I should not say it is a boring topic as it was delivered perfectly with an engaging activity.

Reflection on all presentations:

The last three sessions on microteaching have been incredibly engaging and informative. I’ve learned many new techniques for teaching, and it was inspiring to see each participant giving their best effort and supporting one another. Everyone worked together to identify areas for improvement and encouraged each other, embodying the essential quality of a great teacher—motivation. Kim and Katerina's valuable feedback also helped us consider aspects we may have overlooked in our presentations. Overall, this microteaching project has been very useful for all of us, helping us refine our teaching methods and discover new approaches to engage students effectively.

MAS Antwerp:

The MAS collection holds over 600,000 objects related to art, cultural traditions, and the history of Antwerp and its port, as well as global themes like overseas trade and connections to regions across Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and Oceania. Through these pieces, the collection shares stories about Antwerp, the port, and the city’s links to the wider world.

When I arrived at the museum, my teachers were already there waiting. Kim handed me a ticket, and I went in, excited by the sunny day and my first impression of the museum. Each floor was filled with cultural and art displays, many of them interactive, showcasing history, culture, art, and trade. I spent a lot of time in the World War II section, which was fascinating. I completed a booklet with interesting activities about the era, created a flyer based on the instructions, learned how messages were transmitted then, and even wrote and decoded a message. it was a lot of fun! Another section had historical trade items and videos about trade routes, from the Vikings to modern times, showing how trade now connects the world. I also explored the Antarctica exhibit, which had insightful information for future projects. This visit was helpful in understanding how thoughtfully placed objects and storytelling can really capture an audience’s attention.

International Education:

What is international education? International education is more than just studying abroad. It’s about learning in a diverse environment where students from different cultures come together to learn and grow. It’s about developing a global mindset, understanding different people, and a chance to understand different nationalities.

Why do you want to work in an international school? Working in an international school is truly inspiring. It’s an opportunity to collaborate with teachers and students from around the world. By sharing ideas and experiences, I can create a diverse learning environment. Ultimately, I aim to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in our interconnected world. I am a teacher of computer science and I want to bridge the gap between the latest technology trends and traditional teaching methods.

What are the challenges of international education? There are a lot of challenges like, Cultural differences and language barriers. Additionally, adapting to different curricula and teaching methodologies can be challenging for teachers.

How can we overcome these challenges? To overcome these challenges, schools can implement various strategies. Teachers must have to develop intercultural competencies. Language support programs, such as language assistants or language learning resources, can facilitate communication. Flexible teaching approaches. Finally, building strong relationships with students and teachers will help overcome all of the challenges.

What are the values of an ideal international school? An ideal international school should prioritize global citizenship, cultural diversity and innovation. By adding these values a school can make a good learning environment for students and teachers, and they will be able to grow together.