TEACHER PROFILES

Hengki Agus Rifa’i

Mr. Hengki sees that language is a skill instead of a knowledge, it is incredibly important that students take the most time in class, and that teacher’s role should change into a facilitator, giving clear instructions and providing feedback on students’ performance instead of supplying information. Moreover, it is the students’ participation that makes language learning meaningful. His pre-service English teacher training experience with US Embassy Indonesia helps him grow better understanding of how language classroom should be designed. He learns more about different methods to involve students in activities which promote engagement, teamwork, and enthusiasm.

Universitas Negeri Padang Padang

Bachelor of English Language and Literature Study August 2013 – September 2017

  •  The Best Graduate of English Language and Literature Study Program GPA: 3.73
  •  The Most Outstanding Student of University for Bachelor Degree 2016

United States Embassy, Indonesia Batu, East Java

Pre-Service English Teacher EPIC Camp January 2017

  •  2 weeks intensive training for 47 Pre-Service English Teachers from Indonesia and East Timor held by

Regional English Language Office (RELO)

  •  Selected as the representative of West Sumatera from over 500 applicants
  • The Best Graduate of English Language and Literature Study Program 2017
  • West Sumatera Representative for Camp EPIC 2017, US Embassy Jakarta 2017
  • The Most Outstanding Student of University for Strata 1 Degree 2016
  • The Most Outstanding Student of Faculty of Languages and Arts UNP 2016
  • The Gold Winner Faculty of Languages and Arts Award UNP 2016
  • The Bronze Winner Faculty of Languages and Arts Award UNP 2015
  • Awardee Scholarship PPA (Peningkatan Prestasi Akademik) 2016
  • Champion of Regional X English Debate (ROXED) Universitas Andalas 2016
  • Best Speaker Regional X English Debate (ROXED) Universitas Andalas 2016
  • 3rd Runner Up Lomba Diskusi Mahasiswa PCTA Kementerian Pertahanan Sumbar 2016
  • One of Participants from Indonesia in 35th World Universities Debating
  • Championship 2015, Universiti Teknologi MARA 2015
  • 2nd Runner Up Novice National NUDC 2015, Universitas Tanjungpura 2015
  • 6th Best Speaker Novice National NUDC 2015, Universitas Tanjungpura 2015
  • Champion of Debate Riau English Festival (REF), UIN SUSKA, Riau 2015
  • Best Speaker Debate Riau English Festival (REF), UIN SUSKA, Riau 2015
  • Runner Up Regional English Debate Championship (REACH), Padang 2015
  • 3rd Runner Up National University Debating Championship Regional X Selection 2015
  • 5th Best Speaker National University Debating Championship Regional X Selection 2015
  • 5th Best Speaker 2nd SECIONAIRE Debating Championship 2014
  • 3rd Runner Up 2nd SECIONAIRE Debating Championship 2014
  • Runner Up of UNP Debating Championship 2014
  • Best Speaker of UNP Debating Championship 2014
  • Champion of Debat Ilmiah Kandungan Isi Al-quran MTQ UNP 2014
  • Champion of UMMY Debating Championship 2013

Why did you choose teaching English as your career?

In the world which is increasingly globalized, there has been rising demand of English as a foreign language in a multitude of sectors. I see this growing demand as a potential field to work in besides my keen interest in English since I was a high school student. Thus, I choose to pursue a career in English teaching. Another reason is that teaching gives me a chance to work with a multitude of students with different backgrounds, which fits my personal interest as I am a rather social person. I love working with people, utilizing interpersonal capacity instead of working alone behind desk. Being able to make students understand lessons is a sensation I cherish every time I teach.

How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching for approximately 3 years in some private courses in Padang. I also tutor some students in their house during the time.

What do you like most in teaching and giving training?

One fascination from teaching and giving training is when I see that students enjoy activities I design and not to mention take something out of those activities. I am beyond glad when my students participate actively in my class and apply directly what I instruct.

What are the three ways to be successful in learning English?

I think since language is more a skill than knowledge, there are 3 things which I think are necessary: theory, companion, and practice. Theory is undeniably important as students won’t be able to make correct use of English without basic understanding of rules in the language. However, mastering theory is not also enough. This is where the role of companion takes place. Students need companions to communicate the rules they have learned. Finally, having a consistent, repetitive practice with them ensures fluency. If they practice their language only for once a week, for example, it is very unlikely that they are going to learn it successfully in a short time. It is also the reason some people lose their language skill when they don’t use it for a particular period of time.

What do you find challenging in teaching?

A difficult task in teaching, I think, is finding comprehensive activities which contain educational values but at the same time also provide fun, engaging learning. A significant portion of time should be invested to design such activities.