Being a teacher requires more than just mastering the subject matter to be delivered to students. Teachers must possess a diverse set of skills to deliver a more effective and high-quality learning process.
For science teachers, the challenge is unique. They are required to possess the skills to conduct learning using a scientific approach, encompassing not only theoretical teaching methods in the classroom but also practical laboratory practice.
These two things are very important because they will influence students’ interests in choosing the field of study they will pursue in the world of campus, which of course will be related to their future careers.
Realizing this, the community service team of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI), consisting of lecturers from the Department of Biology, held a Webinar and Workshop to increase the knowledge and experience of high school teachers.
The activity, entitled “High School Learning Materials Strengthening Week,” was divided into two sessions: an online webinar on Tuesday (August 16, 2022) and an offline workshop at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI) on Friday (August 19, 2022).
The webinar focused on improving teacher literacy in delivering simple and innovative teaching materials, particularly those based on microbiology, molecular biology, and tissue culture. The event was attended by over 100 participants, consisting of high school teachers from various regions in Indonesia.
“Biology is a subject enjoyed by high school students. Therefore, we must increase this interest so that more students are interested in studying and developing biology in Indonesia, thus creating strong resources in the life sciences,” said Anom Bowolaksono, Ph.D., Head of the Biology Department at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, in his opening remarks.
The webinar activity was filled with presentations from three Biology lecturers who are experts in their fields, namely Wellyzar Sjamsuridzal, Ph.D., a microbiology expert, Dr. Andi Salamah, a molecular biology expert, and Dr. Windri Handayani, a plant tissue culture expert.
The second session was a workshop focused on improving teachers’ skills in conducting independent experiments using aseptic techniques, including experiments in microbiology, molecular biology, and tissue culture. The workshop included 15 participants representing the Biology Subject Teachers’ Forum (MGMP) for Senior High Schools in Depok.
“It is hoped that by implementing aseptic techniques during this workshop, teachers will be able to apply them to students in their respective schools,” said Anom.
Unlike the webinar session, the workshop session was held in-person at the Center of Excellence in Biology Resources-Genome Study (CoE IBR-GS) laboratory at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia. This activity implemented the material presented in the previous webinar session.
Unlike the webinar session, the workshop session was held in-person at the Center of Excellence in Biology Resources-Genome Study (CoE IBR-GS) laboratory at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia. This activity implemented the material presented in the previous webinar session.
“After participants heard the theoretical explanation during the webinar, in this workshop, participants were able to practice directly,” explained Dr. Fitrianingsih, the chair of the committee.
The workshop’s session coordinator, Fadhillah, PhD, also stated that biotechnology-related practicals often involve expensive equipment and materials, making them difficult to implement at the elementary and secondary levels.
“However, in this workshop, we’re trying to provide basic DNA isolation and tissue culture techniques using readily available tools and materials. This way, we hope teachers can provide alternative experiments for students at school, so they can become more interested in exploring biotechnology in the future,” Fadhillah said during the workshop.
Meanwhile, R. Sinta Dewi Sekarwati, S.Pd., M.T, as the head of the Depok City Biology MGMP stated that high school biology teachers need to be given periodic material refreshers to help strengthen concepts and refresh the material that can be given to their students.
“This workshop was very interesting and extraordinary. After it was over, we went home feeling happy because our adrenaline levels increased significantly. Hopefully, when our hunger for knowledge arises, the Biology Department of FMIPA UI can satisfy us again,” Sinta concluded, expressing her deep appreciation for this community service activity.
