UIII Experts Respond to Govt's Plan to Reinstate National Exams
UIII Experts Respond to Govt's Plan to Reinstate National Exams
January 07, 2025
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photos: Pexels/muallim nur, Achmad Jatnika
The recent announcement by newly appointed Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. Abdul Mu'ti, regarding the potential reintroduction of the National Exams (Ujian Nasional, or UN) in the 2026 academic year has sparked extensive discussions among education stakeholders. Two education experts from Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) shared their perspectives on the proposed policy shift and its implications.a
Prof. Nina Nurmila: A Strategic Tool for Educational Equity
Prof. Nina Nurmila, Dean of the Faculty of Education at UIII, noted that shifts in national education policies, including the removal and reinstatement of National Exams, have become a recurring trend with each change in government leadership.
"The National Assessment is crucial for mapping educational achievements across regions. It helps identify underperforming areas and allows targeted interventions to improve student outcomes. High-achieving schools can also serve as models for others," Prof. Nina explained.
She expressed optimism about the minister's intention to enhance and equalize educational quality across Indonesia, emphasizing the need to address significant gaps between urban and rural regions, as well as disparities between Java and non-Java areas. "If implemented effectively, the National Assessment could ensure that no student is left behind," she added.
Dr. Bambang Sumintono: Addressing Past Challenges and Ensuring Transparency
Dr. Bambang Sumintono, Head of UIII's PhD in Education program, raised critical questions about the rationale and execution of the proposed policy. He questioned whether there had been thorough studies proving that the removal of National Exams effectively reduced the urban-rural educational gap. He also highlighted that while the previous National Assessment produced literacy and numeracy reports, these were only available at the district level and not fully disclosed to the public.
Dr. Bambang expressed concerns about repeating past issues, such as the heavy emphasis on rote memorization and the psychological pressure placed on students and parents. "In many countries, standardized exams are administered in the middle of study rather than at the end, reducing stress and allowing room for improvement," he noted.
He emphasized the need for clarity regarding the design and implementation of the revamped National Exams. Questions remain about the subjects to be tested, the weight of exam scores in graduation decisions, and how the system will avoid creating new psychological burdens for students.
The Shift from UN to National Assessment, Why Now?
The Indonesian government officially abolished the National Exams in 2021, replacing them with the National Assessment system, which included the Minimum Competency Assessment (AKM), character surveys, and learning environment surveys. This change aimed to create a more comprehensive evaluation method focused on developing competencies rather than memorization.
At the time, former Minister of Education Nadiem Makarim argued that eliminating the National Exams would reduce pressure on students and allow for more balanced educational development.
However, Minister Abdul Mu'ti recently indicated that the National Exams might return in a revised format. While the exact structure remains unclear, he suggested that the exams could serve both as a tool for mapping education quality and as a criterion for university admissions.
As discussions continue, experts stress the importance of transparency, stakeholder engagement, and a focus on reducing educational disparities across the archipelago. The success of this policy, they argue, will depend on how effectively it addresses past shortcomings while aligning with Indonesia's long-term educational goals.
Exploring AI and the Future of Educational Leadership
Exploring AI and the Future of Educational Leadership
December 31, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi
The UIII Faculty of Education, in collaboration with the American Institute for Indonesian Studies (AIFIS), hosted an insightful and thought-provoking virtual LunchTalk #36 with Prof. Khalid Arar from the College of Education, Texas State University, USA. The session, titled “Human-Machine Symbiosis: AI and the Future of Educational Leadership,” explored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, specifically in leadership and decision-making.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Arar, who is also the editor-in-chief of the ‘Leadership and Policy in Schools’ journal, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between Western-centric academic publications and the vast population of Asia, including Indonesia. He called for more inclusive scholarship in the field of educational leadership and urged participants to consider submitting their work to the journal.
The crux of Prof. Arar's presentation revolved around the symbiotic relationship between humans and AI, proposing that the future of educational leadership could thrive through collaboration between human expertise and machine intelligence. He invited the audience, comprising educators and scholars, to reflect on key questions regarding AI's integration in education. These included ethical considerations, the role of AI in shaping educational values, and the desired outcomes of human-AI collaboration.
One central theme of the talk was the evolution of education, from its roots in the Industrial Revolution to the current age of AI and digital literacy. Prof. Arar discussed the paradigm shifts that have occurred in education, asking whether we should embrace or resist AI's integration in schools. He also highlighted how AI's capabilities, such as rapid data analysis, could revolutionize decision-making processes in educational institutions.
Prof. Arar shared several examples of AI applications in educational leadership, such as using AI for recruiting educational leaders, analyzing big data to improve institutional effectiveness, and enhancing the decision-making process through AI-generated scenarios. He stressed the importance of human-AI symbiosis, noting that both humans and AI make decisions by processing vast amounts of data—humans through their biological brains and AI through artificial neural networks.
The presentation also touched upon the ethical challenges surrounding AI use in academic work. Prof. Arar pointed out the importance of addressing bias, fairness, and ethical guidelines in AI applications. He urged the audience to co-create knowledge and adapt to the evolving educational landscape by reimagining educational leadership through AI.
In the latter part of the session, Prof. Arar shared insights from his recent research, including a bibliometric analysis on AI in educational leadership and a thematic study on AI's impact on the field. He discussed the alignment of AI research with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting quality education.
The event concluded with an interactive symposium, allowing participants to engage in discussions about the possibilities of AI in educational leadership. Prof. Arar emphasized the importance of collaboration and co-thinking, urging the academic community to continue exploring AI's potential to reshape education and leadership.
By hosting such an event, UIII continues to demonstrate its values of innovation, inclusivity, and forward-thinking leadership in higher education. The university provides a platform for educators, scholars, and thought leaders to explore the intersections of education and technology, preparing its community for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in an increasingly AI-driven world.
source: https://www.uiii.ac.id/events/read/57802/exploring-ai-and-the-future-of-educational-leadership
Lunch Talk #37: Reflections for the future: Algorithmic cultures in education, work and migration
You are invited to join the Lunch Talk #37 at the Faculty of Education, UIII
Nardine Alnemr, Ph.D. (Lecturer at the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) and Fellow of the Indo-Pacific Research Centre (IPRC) at Murdoch University) will share about: “Reflections for the future: Algorithmic cultures in education, work and migration".
Mainstream uses of Large Language Models (LLMs)-based artificial assistants have opened opportunities for redefinition of education and work. Yet placed in a wider context of algorithmic logics and cultures, which simplify social and political problems to “if-then” formulations, how does such affect the future of education, work and migration? This talk presents an overview of some of these connections. Questions covered in this talk include: What pedagogical changes are educators introducing to adapt to opportunities associated with AI applications? What are the implications for education when work becomes increasingly defined on capacities to develop and use AI? How does this shape migration pathways and assessments which might exacerbate global disparity or “brain drain”? One approach to consider in response to these questions is to centre “the future.” This framing can create justifications for the changes and opportunities that are accountable to the present realities and the expected benefits.
Day/Date: Wednesday/January 8, 2025
Time: 13.00-14.30 WIB
Place: Theater, Faculty A Building
Online participation:
https://bit.ly/LunchTalkEdu37
E-Certificate is provided
Thank you!
Recorded on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dZhsR3MO38
Examining Educational Equity in Indonesia through Student Performance in the Certified Emancipated Learning Internship Program
Hakim, L., Winarti, D., Kayen, H., Numan, M., Buana, I., & Barliana, D. (2024). Examining Educational Equity in Indonesia through Student Performance in the Certified Emancipated Learning Internship Program. Aspirasi: Jurnal Masalah-masalah Sosial, 15(2), 143–157. doi:https://doi.org/10.46807/aspirasi.v15i2.4389
Changes in Students’ Socioscientific Reasoning in an Environmental Chemistry Class: Application of Multi-Facet Rasch Model
Laliyo, L., Sumintono, B., La Kilo, J., and Panigoro, C.. (2024). Changes in Students’ Socioscientific Reasoning in an Environmental Chemistry Class: Application of Multi-Facet Rasch Model. The International Journal of Assessment and Evaluation 32 (1): 49-75. doi:10.18848/2327-7920/CGP/v32i01/49-75. URL: https://cgscholar.com/bookstore/works/changes-in-students-socioscientific-reasoning-in-an-environmental-chemistry-class?category_id=cgrn
Abstract
The primary aim of this research is to evaluate the quality of change in socioscientific reasoning (SSR) among students through the application of the multi-facet Rasch model (MFRM) within a quasi-experimental quantitative research design. The study involved thirty-one students. All participants completed a ten-item test with open-ended questions. Student responses were assessed by five raters using a rubric, and the data were analyzed using the MFRM stacking technique. The analysis revealed that the data aligned with the MFRM measurements, and there were variations in students’ SSR scores between T1, T2, and T3. The postintervention change (T1–T2) demonstrated a positive shift, indicating the effectiveness of the intervention. However, postretention changes (T2–T3) showed a negative trend, suggesting a weakening of the intervention’s meaningfulness. When examining the nature of postintervention and postretention changes together, it became apparent that a significant proportion of students (71%) exhibited weak and inconsistent changes in their SSR, with some students experiencing anomalous shifts. Importantly for the accuracy of the MFRM measure, although the intervention initially resulted in positive changes, these changes did not persist in the postretention period. This suggests there is room for improvement in the long-term impact of the intervention on students’ SSR.
Lunch Talk #36: Human-Machine Symbiosis: AI and the Future of Educational Leadership
We are thrilled to inform you that the Faculty of Education, UIII, in collaboration with the American Institute for Indonesian Studies (AIFIS) will conduct Lunch Talk#36.
Prof. Khalid Arar, Ph.D. (Lecturer at College of Education, Texas State University) will share about: “Human-Machine Symbiosis: AI and the Future of Educational Leadership".
This talk explores the evolving relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and educational leadership in the era of digital literacy and knowledge technology. It systematically traces key trends, concepts, and themes, addressing implications for Sustainable Development Goals, future research, and the transformative potential of AI in education.
Day/Date: Tuesday/December 24, 2024
Time: 09.00-10.30 (Jakarta Time)
Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/LunchTalkEdu36
E-Certificate is provided
Thank you!
Recorded on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iSOq5W3aqo
Innovation in Indonesian Literacy Education from Outsider’s Perspective
Innovation in Indonesian Literacy Education from Outsider’s Perspective
December 04, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Virda Lalitya Umam
Depok, November 28, 2024 – The UIII Faculty of Education hosted a thought-provoking public lecture on “Innovation in Indonesian Literacy Education” with Assoc. Prof. Adrian Rodgers from The Ohio State University, USA. Prof. Rodgers, who has visited Indonesia over 50 times, shared insights from his extensive research and experiences working with Indonesian students and educators. Aside from being an academic at The Ohio State University, he is also a key figure in the OSU-Indonesian Education Consortium (USINTEC), which fosters student and faculty exchanges between Indonesian and US universities.
In his lecture, Prof. Rodgers emphasized that the current state of literacy education in Indonesia requires a rethinking of traditional classroom practices. Through his research in 14 classrooms across five islands, he observed that writing activities in Indonesian classrooms are significantly limited. “In some cases, students wrote as little as eight words in two hours of instruction, highlighting the need for greater emphasis on writing as a foundational skill,” he said. He also noted that classrooms are often dominated by whole-class instruction, leaving little room for small group tasks, differentiated learning, or individual engagement, which are essential for fostering creativity and deeper understanding.
A key theme in Prof. Rodgers’ presentation was the gap in emergent literacy practices. Unlike in the United States, where children progress through stages of literacy from beginner to advanced, Indonesian students are expected to achieve full reading proficiency by the end of Grade 1. This abrupt shift, he argued, bypasses critical foundational stages that build confidence and competence in young learners. He suggested that a more expansive approach to literacy, which includes creative activities like drawing diagrams, making lists, and writing for authentic purposes, could better support early learners.
Prof. Rodgers also called attention to the role of classroom environments and materials in shaping literacy outcomes. He described the lack of engaging and diverse resources in many Indonesian schools, where textbooks are often uninspiring, and classroom libraries are poorly organized. He proposed simple yet transformative solutions, such as using leveled books to match students’ reading abilities and displaying materials in visually appealing ways to spark interest. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of incorporating technology, even in low-connectivity areas, to encourage students to share their work and engage in collaborative learning.
Throughout his lecture, Prof. Rodgers encouraged educators to reflect on their practices and consider the broader implications of their teaching methods. Drawing on the theories of Vygotsky and Dewey, he ended the lecture with two critical questions as hypothesis of his preliminary findings: “is Indonesian Education holding kids back, keeping them ‘too low too long?’ and is the teacher working too hard while students are passive learners?”
The session concluded with an engaging discussion, as educators shared their experiences and explored practical ways to implement these innovative ideas. Prof. Rodgers applauded the audience for their commitment to improving education and reiterated that meaningful change often starts with small, consistent steps.
This lecture underscores UIII’s dedication to fostering critical dialogue and advancing education in Indonesia. By bringing global experts like Prof. Rodgers to its campus, UIII continues to inspire educators to rethink and refine their approaches to literacy education, paving the way for a brighter future for Indonesian students.