Students’ perceptions on Internship Program: Effectiveness and Problems

This study aims to explore the students' perceptions about internship program Held by Faculty of Education (FIP), Muhammadiyah University of North Maluku (UMMU). The study employs a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative approach. The research subjects were 40 students of English Education Department and Primary School Teacher Department (PGSD), FIP-UMMU. Data was collected through five-point likert scale and in-depth interviews. Findings showed that most students achieve the experiences and benefits during the internship program such as reflecting critically on teaching methodology in actual setting, developing a school curriculum, and adjusting to school environment, school teachers, and the local community. It also gives them the opportunity to integrate theory with practice, design teaching aids and material then implement the lesson properly, and improve the classroom management. Problems faced by students during the internship are several junior and high school students have bad attitudes that make student-teachers are difficult to manage the class. Very few students-teachers also have less preparation before class, therefore they cannot deliver the lessons in a proper way. Therefore, the committee of the program should work out a mechanism of obtaining feedback from school’s instructor and college supervisor about students’ attitude which should form part of the students’ appraisal process.