Practicum Twelfth Week

Weekly Journal 12

Name:	Lance Lhouie M. David
Host Training Establishment (HTE):	City Environment and Natural Resources Office
Week Number:	12th Week
Dates Covered:	November 10 – November 14, 2025
Submitted on:	November 17, 2025

 

Concrete Experience

    In the twelfth week of our practicum program, I had my first experience joining the water resources management team for water sampling at rivers and resorts in General Santos City. It was my first time because, in the previous water sampling activities, I couldn’t join due to classes scheduled on the same day. To prepare, I filled my motorcycle with fuel, knowing we would be traveling to distant locations, and I also packed spare clothes in case I got wet during the sampling. The first sampling of the week took place at Tinagacan River. My team and I rode our motorcycles and traveled a long distance from the office to reach our destination. We arrived safely at Tinagacan River and proceeded with the sampling. My task was to record the data while the rest of the team collected the samples from the river. At times, I had difficulty hearing the team members because of the distance between us, so I had to ask for clarification to ensure I recorded the correct information. Once the sampling was done, I reviewed the data to make sure there were no errors.

    For the second water sampling of the week, we visited two resorts: Lagare and Olaer Resort in Brgy. Apopong. Fortunately, I didn’t need to worry about fuel this time because the office arranged a pickup truck for our transportation. As usual, I brought slippers and intended to bring spare clothes, but unfortunately, I forgot the clothes at home. This time, I was assigned to gather the samples from the resorts’ water sources. I also learned how to operate the turbidity testing apparatus with guidance from our supervisor. After finishing the work, we were given some time to relax and enjoy the pool. However, since I had forgotten my clothes, I had no choice but to watch my colleagues swim while I sat on the side. Overall, the water sampling experience was completely new to me. As a history student, I had never been taught about water sampling or scientific data collection, so this was an exciting opportunity to learn something different and gain new skills. 

 

Reflective Observation

    I learned that by actively participating, we can discover new things even if they are not directly aligned with what we study for example, how I learned to operate the water-sampling apparatus and how to gather data from the river. I also realized that making mistakes is okay, as long as you correct them by asking guidance from those who know the proper procedures. This helps you learn, improve, and become more competent in the tasks you are working on. Honestly, I felt concerned about how we, as History majors, could contribute to the CENRO office because I initially thought that the most fitting backgrounds for this work were agriculture or engineering. However, I am thankful that I was able to learn how things operate outside my area of specialty.

Abstract Conceptualization

    The concept of Interdisciplinary Learning Theory best describes my situation because it shows how skills and knowledge can be gained outside one’s field of specialization, allowing me to learn and perform tasks beyond my background as a History major. I discovered that the experiences I had during our water sampling showed me that learning is not limited to a single discipline, and that stepping into unfamiliar tasks helps broaden your understanding, adapt to new roles, and become more versatile in different work environments. This experience also made me realize that being open to new learning opportunities can strengthen my abilities and prepare me for diverse responsibilities in future professional settings. 

Future Application

    In the future, I will apply this learning by staying open to tasks that fall outside my usual area of expertise and by embracing opportunities to develop skills from different disciplines. I will make it a habit to seek guidance when needed, ask questions, and practice new techniques so I can adapt quickly and perform effectively in unfamiliar situations. By doing so, I can become more flexible, resourceful, and well-prepared for diverse responsibilities in future workplaces.