Inspiring Teachers to Improve

The impact DBE3 is already evident in schools. The benefit is felt directly by the teachers in schools. As a result, a lot of non-partner schools have replicated the DBE3 training modules. In their enthusiasm to change SMPN 3 Krian, SMPN 2 Krian and SMPN1 Wonoayu have replicated the BTL2 module. The teachers from the three schools have taken part enthusiastically in session after session supported by district facilitators. Their voices were noisy just like the students they teach in the classroom. But that's precisely what made the training come alive. M. Agus, a mathematics teacher who participated in the training said the training gave him a new perspective, especially in developing lesson plans that integrate life skills teaching.

The same opinion was also expressed by Yayuk Dian Mayasari, who teaches science at SMPN1 Wonoayu. According to her, one thing that stands out from this training is the use of high-level questions in learning in the classroom. The teachers often forget the benefits of using high-level questions, and this is what was new for her. After being trained in a class, on the last day the trainees do practice teaching in school. Students welcome this practice teaching enthusiastically. Although for them learning like this is nothing new, the students are active in the lessons. They work seriously on all their assignments.

Sharing Experiences, Accelerating Change

THERE are many ways of speeding up changes in learning as set out in the indicators of success of DBE3. One way is to conduct a study visit, an activity designed to bring together one district with another. These activities can be used as a forum for sharing good practices.

Some time ago, DBE3 in East Java province received a visit from a DBE3 group from Central Java, followed by visits from a group from South Tapanuli District, North Sumatera. The two groups, who came at different times, visited several DBE3 partner schools in Sidoarjo in East Java. The Central Java group was able to visit SMPN 2 Sedati, SMPN 2 Wonoayu, SMPN 1 Gedangan dan MTs Nurul Huda.

After observing the activities in the classrooms, the group had a dialog with key stakeholders. " The interesting part from my point of view was the enthusiasm shown by teachers and students during the lessons in the classrooms, " said Aris Munandar, the principal of SMPN Tasikmadu, Kabupaten Karanganyar, when asked for his impression about the study visit.

After the visit from Central Java came a group from South Tapanuli District, who visited SMPN 2 Sedati, SMPN 2 Wonoayu, MTs Nurul Huda and MTsN Krian. During the visits to the schools, the group observed teaching and learning activities and shared ideas with the school about how to develop good learning practices.