Yogyakarta, August 8, 2024 – The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized a workshop titled “Paradigm and Implementation of Independent Learning for High School Level through Contextual Learning.” The event took place at the 7th-floor Auditorium of FMIPA UGM and was attended by approximately 300 high school, vocational school, and madrasah leaders from across Indonesia.
The workshop began with registration followed by an opening speech from the Dean of FMIPA UGM, Prof. Dr.Eng. Kuwat Triyana, M.Si. This was followed by a speech from Mr. Arif Misbahul, MBM., the Director of Taiwan Center Indonesia, who emphasized the importance of international collaboration in advancing educational practices.
The first session featured a presentation and Q&A led by Prof. Ir. Nizam, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPM., ASEAN Eng., on the topic of “Paradigm and Implementation of Independent Learning for High School Level.” He is the former Director General of Higher Education at the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture for the 2020-2024 period. This session provided in-depth insights into the application of the Independent Learning concept within Indonesia’s education system.
The second session continued with a presentation and Q&A by Prof. Dr. Gandes Retno Rahayu, M.Med.Ed., Ph.D., the Director of Education and Teaching at UGM. She discussed the implementation of Independent Learning through contextual learning methods. The discussion explored how these strategies can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of students in Indonesia.
In addition to the presentations and Q&A sessions, participants were invited to attend an exhibition showcasing research outputs from each department within FMIPA UGM. Four laboratories from the Department of Physics also displayed their innovative research tools, including the Basic Physics Laboratory, Atomic and Nuclear Physics Laboratory, Physics and Instrumentation Laboratory, and Geophysics Laboratory. From GAMADU (a seismometer) to Ge-Nose (an electronic nose), teachers and school principals showed great enthusiasm for the exhibits.
This workshop is expected to support the enhancement of educational quality (SDG 4), particularly through the implementation of the Independent Learning paradigm and contextual learning aimed at improving the quality of education at the high school level. The research exhibition is one of the activities that supports the strengthening of research infrastructure and promotes innovation in science and technology (SDG 9). Moreover, the collaboration between UGM and various parties serves as a concrete example of a global partnership that contributes to achieving shared goals in education (SDG 17).
Author: Rafida Salma Rahmawati
Photos: Ahmad Fathan