Challenging Worksheets Stimulate Critical Thinking

TEACHING class IX creates a whole new challenge for a teacher. It is especially true when a teacher wants to apply the cooperative learning approach using a challenging worksheet. This is because teachers of class IX are most likely to teach materials related to questions that will come up in the National Examination (UN). However, it did not apply to Nanang Syafii, S.Pd., a District Facilitator in Tuban, East Java. He was determined to facilitate cooperative learning in class IX by creating a challenging worksheet. One of the competencies taught using cooperative learning method was 'Writing Classified Ads in a Short, Concise and Clear Language'. The following is Nanang's account of the steps in teaching this competency:

"Firstly, I explained to my students about the objectives and indicators of this competency. Then I asked the students to form a group of 4-5 students. I distributed examples of classified ads for them to identify based on characters, types, and language (Worksheet I).

Secondly, each group presented the results of their discussion, while other groups were asked to give feedback. My students and I then made a conclusion based on the presentation and the feedback.

Thirdly, I gave a worksheet to each of my students (Worksheet II). Their task was to make a classified ad based on the picture in their worksheet. They had to think about the writing, type of advertisement and the language. Once they were done, the ads were stuck on card and students were allowed to comment on each others' work.

Lastly, together with my students, I chose the best work. I explained to them why it is important to learn about classified ads and how it will help them in the future. Before we finished the class, I asked my students to write their reflective journal. It was important for me to know how they felt about the lesson.

When I read their reflective journals, it became clear to me that cooperative learning and challenging worksheets can help answer the problems faced by teachers when they teach class IX. I am now more confident to apply different learning methods in the classroom. But of course, I will not forget to fulfill students' needs related to the National Examination practice tests."