ICT and Action Research Training in Makassar

The second workshop of 10 February 2007 in Makassar aimed to improve teachers’ skills in the use of computers as a tool to boost the learning of English Language. Jalu, helped by Ibu Ratna (2005 alumna) conducted a workshop on using CD ROM English program application to provide alternative and make initiative in upgrading students’ skills particularly in listening. Around 25 teachers were taught step by step on how to use the CD. They enjoyed the CD program and admitted that it was very useful for their teaching resources. SATA gave away each participant a CD and English teaching materials as learning resource. At the other occasion, 3 alumni were present to take the chance to share exchange experiences of their stay in the US. They were Busyaeri Jafat (as usually called Erik) of 2006 YES program and 2 Pak Yaumin and Wahyudin of Aminef alumni. Erik shared an experience of how he could participate in the program and had a testimony of his stay with American family and went to school there. The most important lesson he explained was that the discipline of time of Americans and parents gave a strong attention on their children education and the progress of child’s learning. Attendees were curious of finding out to get the change to join the programs and wanted to learn from them.

Workshop for Elementary Teachers in Jakarta

Linking with some teachers in Jakarta area, SATA was invited by Ar-Rahman Islamic Elementary School to hold a joint workshop of Active Learning for Primary Teachers located at Ar-Rahman Islamic School. The Saturday workshop was initiated to build connection with many Islamic schools, particularly for elementary level. Jalu, the coordinator of SATA, delivered active learning best practices in the specific area of understanding learning styles of every student to optimize the students’ absorption of lessons. With other two presenters who are Jalu’s colleague from his previous school, the workshop was stresses on the creativity of teachers teaching in classroom to design learning which is more integrated so the learning is more hands-on. 45 teachers were present in the workshop and they had testified that such program was really helping them in the improvement of the classroom best practices as they also hoped for another training in the future. At the end, SATA presented 10 reusable camera packages for the participating schools to document their process of learning with their students.