International Conference on Educational Leadership and Asian Culture (ICELAC) 2023
Dr Bambang Sumintono, the faculty member of FoE UIII, has presented as one of the Plenary Speaker for the International Conference on Educational Leadership and Asian Culture (ICELAC) 2023. Dr Sumintono presented topic about Islamic Educational Leadership: Southeast Asia Perspectives. The conference organized by Faculty of Education, Universiti Manitoba, Canada and School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia. ICELAC 2023 was successfully held online (via Webex) and attracted 571 registered participants from 31 countries worldwide who jointly explored prospects and developments in educational leadership and Asian culture.
The official news about the conference: https://news.usm.my/index.php/english-news/9338-usm-co-hosted-icelac-2023-promoting-asian-culture-and-research-on-development-of-educational-leadership?fbclid=IwAR0Nu6eJ7ciilOrdpbvismpOhlyLU6KcwzyDp7JoZqaHjGq1TY-mOHhMmNY
Advancing TVET in Indonesia: Insights from Dr. Abdul Malik's Lecture at FoE
Advancing TVET in Indonesia: Insights from Dr. Abdul Malik's Lecture at FoE
August 05, 2023
Contributor: Maroof Ahmed | Editor: Dadi Darmadi
On July 14, 2023, the Faculty of Education (FoE) at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) had the privilege of hosting a distinguished guest lecturer, Dr. Abdul Malik, from the National Accreditation Agency for Schools/Madrasahs (Badan Akreditasi Nasional Sekolah/Madrasah). The online lecture focused on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy in Indonesia.
Dr. Malik commenced the lecture with a comprehensive overview of TVET within the National Education System, emphasizing its significance in Indonesia's education landscape. He then delved into the National Vocational Education and Training Portfolio, providing an outline of the available vocational education and training programs in the country.
Throughout his lecture, Dr. Malik discussed the institutional framework supporting vocational education and training in Indonesia. This framework involves various ministries, professional associations, and independent accreditation boards, all working collaboratively to ensure the quality and relevance of TVET.
Addressing the challenges faced by TVET, Dr. Malik highlighted issues such as the lack of demand-side perspective, the variable basis for program design and curricula, and difficulties in competency assessment and certification. Additionally, he brought attention to the inadequate availability and quality of teachers and instructors with industry exposure, as well as the lack of proper infrastructure and equipment for practical skills training in schools.
Despite existing regulations, Dr. Malik noted that the unemployment rate among Senior Secondary Vocational School (SMK) and Diploma graduates was 8.49% and 6.76%, respectively, in 2020, indicating a need for further improvements in the system.
To address these challenges, Dr. Malik presented some recent reform initiatives that have been undertaken, including the National TVET Revitalization Program. Key elements of this reform involve the development of a comprehensive labor market information system, the strengthened involvement of the private sector and industry in TVET policy, planning, and implementation, and improvements in vocational education at both secondary and tertiary levels.
In conclusion, Dr. Malik emphasized the importance of demand-oriented, competency-based vocational education and training to align educational programs with industry needs. This approach aims to produce a more skilled and competent workforce, ultimately enhancing the employability of graduates.
Dr. Malik's lecture offered valuable insights into the current state of TVET in Indonesia and the ongoing policy reforms aimed at its improvement. It served as an enlightening session, highlighting the pivotal role of vocational education and training in equipping the Indonesian workforce with the necessary skills and competencies to meet industry demands.
UIII Faculty of Education's Student Receives Top Presenter Award at International Conference
UIII Faculty of Education's Student Receives Top Presenter Award at International Conference
July 06, 2023
Contributor: Safiullah Junejo | Editor: Supriyono & Dadi Darmadi
Hazrat Shah Kayen, a student in the Faculty of Education at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), was awarded the Best Presenter prize at the 5th Annual Civic Education Conference and the 5th International Conference on Law and Social Science in Bali, Indonesia. Hazrat received this prestigious award on May 31 in recognition of his exceptional presentation skills and research contributions.
Expressing gratitude and elation, Hazrat stated that receiving the award was an incredible experience. He attributed his triumph to meticulous planning and a well-organized presentation. The conference provided him with a platform to showcase his research and excel in his field.
Hazrat's research focused on the impact of child labor on children's development, particularly in Afghanistan. Motivated by the prevalence of child labor and its negative effects on education in Afghanistan, Hazrat chose this field of study. His presentation shed light on this crucial issue and emphasized the educational rights of children.
To ensure the success of his presentation, Hazrat diligently prepared his materials in advance. He organized his research and findings into a PowerPoint presentation, dividing it into stages and phases. This approach allowed him to transition seamlessly between various points and maintain a connection throughout his presentation.
Hazrat faced no significant obstacles during the conference, as his presentation was well-received by both his colleagues and the professionals in attendance.
Reflecting on his participation in the conference, Hazrat highlighted the significant benefits he gained in terms of networking, experience, and potential collaborations with other researchers. The award has significantly boosted his confidence to pursue similar academic endeavors, further enhancing his knowledge and skills in educational research.
When asked about the most memorable moments during the conference, Hazrat mentioned two major highlights. First, receiving the title of Best Presenter was a remarkable accomplishment. Second, he was gratified by the positive feedback and acknowledgment he received from the conference delegates, who recognized the significance of his presentation.
Hazrat believes that this honor will positively influence his future academic and professional pursuits. It has inspired him to actively seek additional opportunities for personal and professional development within the field of education research.
He advises fellow students who aspire to excel in academic presentations or conferences to stay updated on international forums, symposia, and gatherings. By engaging in such activities, students can pave the way for future academic success.
Hazrat expressed profound gratitude for the assistance he received from UIII. The university provided financial and motivational support, enabling him to attend the conference and achieve this notable recognition. He acknowledged the entire education faculty and the UIII community for their unwavering encouragement and support.
This recognition is a testament to the academic environment and opportunities offered at UIII. As a globally renowned university, UIII is dedicated to nurturing a research culture and fostering the growth and development of its students, faculty, and staff.
Hazrat aspires to become a prominent figure in education research, focusing on crucial issues such as education policy and leadership, access to quality education, and educational evaluation and assessment. He plans to build upon this accomplishment by participating in similar events, paving the way for a prosperous and rewarding academic career.
UIII takes pride in its students' achievements and will continue to support them in their pursuit of academic and professional excellence.
Socialization of the Faculty of Education International Islamic University of Indonesia to UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, UNESA, UIN Malang, and State University of Malang
The first campus visited was Surabaya State University (UNESA). At UNESA, the UIII Faculty of Education Team was welcomed by the Dean and Deputy Dean of the UNESA Faculty of Education followed by a discussion about collaboration in the Dean's Room. After discussing collaboration, the activity continued with socialization about Admissions UIII 2023/2024 and an introduction to the campus and the UIII Faculty of Education, including academic and non-academic facilities on campus and faculties and then ended with an explanation of the structure of lectures at the Faculty of Education UIII.
The second visit was at UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya (UINSA). Arriving at the Tarbiyah and Teacher Training Faculty of UINSA, the Faculty of Education Team was greeted by the Dean and Deputy Dean of the UINSA Tarbiyah and Teacher Training Faculty. The activity was continued with the socialization of the UIII Faculty of Education and UIII Admissions 2023/2024 which was attended by lecturers and undergraduate students of the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training UINSA. Activities at UINSA ended with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UIII Faculty of Education and the UINSA Tarbiyah and Teacher Training Faculty.
The third visit was State University of Malang (UM). The Faculty of Education team was received by the Dean and Deputy Dean of the UM Faculty of Education which was followed by socialization activities for the UIII Faculty of Education and Admissions UIII 2023/2024. This activity was attended by students of the UM Faculty of Education. After the socialization, the activity ended with the agenda for signing the PKS of the UIII Faculty of Education and the UM Faculty of Education.
The last university visited was UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang (UIN Malang). Arriving at the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training UIN Malang, the Faculty of Education team began with socialization activities for the Faculty of Education UIII and UIII Admissions 2023/2024 which ended with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Faculty of Education UIII and the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training UIN Malang.
Socialization of the Faculty of Education International Islamic University of Indonesia to the Education and Teacher Training Faculty of UIN Jakarta
This activity was attended by the Dean of FITK, lecturers, as well as several heads of study programs, and representatives of undergraduate and graduate students. The socialization began with introducing the profile of the UIII Faculty of Education, followed by the presentation of the Masters Program and then continued with the presentation of the Doctoral Program at the UIII Faculty of Education. The socialization activities also introduced activities on campus and academic and non-academic support facilities at UIII. It is then followed by an explanation of the 2023-2024 Admission and the various benefits of scholarships at UIII. The last session of this socialization was question and answer and discussion about the possibility of cooperation, then giving souvenirs from each university and taking a group photo. After the socialization activities were closed, Public Relations from UIN Jakarta asked for time to conduct interviews about UIII.
Dr. Sri Widyastri’s Take on Islamic Education at FoE
Dr. Sri Widyastri’s Take on Islamic Education at FoE
June 30, 2023
Contributor: Maroof Ahmed | Editor: Dadi Darmadi
On June 27, 2023, the Faculty of Education (FoE) at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) hosted a LUNCHTALK where Dr. Sri Widyastri, a scholar in residence at UIII from the Institute of Al-Quran Science in Jakarta, shed light on the transmission of Al-Qur'an in Islamic education.
Dr. Widyastri began by referencing R.G.A Dolby's work on the transmission of knowledge. Dolby, in his studies, observed the rapid development and transmission of experimental psychology and physical chemistry during the 19th century, especially in Germany. He noted that North America adopted these sciences faster than France and England. Dolby's observations highlighted that the method of transmission, whether peaceful or coercive, significantly impacts the speed of acculturation.
Transmission in education is not only about passing down knowledge but also about preserving the essence of a culture. Dr. Widyastri emphasized the importance of enculturation, which is the process of passing down cultural values and traditions from one generation to the next, both formally and informally.
Acculturation, on the other hand, is the blending of two cultures. The speed of this blending depends on the local community's perception of the incoming culture. If introduced coercively, acculturation takes longer, but if introduced peacefully, it happens relatively quickly. Furthermore, acculturation does not just affect culture, it also impacts an individual's psychology.
A significant portion of Dr. Widyastri's talk was dedicated to the Sanad system, a unique method of transmitting knowledge in Islamic education. This system is not just limited to the transmission of hadith but extends to other forms of knowledge, including the Al-Qur’an, scientific books, and poetry.
She highlighted a case study of Mahad Imam Al-Bukhariy Wahdah Islamiyah in Makassar, which has successfully implemented the Sanad system. The success of this system in Makassar is attributed to Saudi Arabian alumni who, upon returning, preached the salafi moderate, attracting many students to this method.
The transmission of knowledge, especially in the context of Islamic education, is a delicate balance of preserving tradition while adapting to modern methods. Dr. Widyastri's insights into the Sanad system offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Islamic educational traditions that prioritize lineage and authenticity.
In today's rapidly changing world, where information is readily available at our fingertips, it is essential to remember the value of traditional systems like Sanad. They not only ensure the authenticity of the knowledge being passed down but also foster a deep sense of connection to one's roots and heritage.
Dr. Sri Widyastri's LUNCHTALK was a profound reminder of the importance of preserving and transmitting knowledge in its purest form, ensuring that future generations can benefit from the wisdom of the past.
The Faculty of Education received a visit from Madania School
Tuesday, 13 June 2023, the Faculty of Education received a visit from the Madania School. The activity began with a tour of the campus library and mosque. After that, it was continued with the socialization of the opening of registration for master's and doctoral students at UIII and the signing of the collaboration between the Faculty of Education and the Madania School.
FoE UIII Master's Student Awarded Best Paper at ANU Religion Conference in Australia
FoE UIII Master's Student Awarded Best Paper at ANU Religion Conference in Australia
April 28, 2023
Contributor: Dadi Darmadi | Editor: Supriyono
The conference, organized by the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, brought together 102 participants from approximately 20 different countries, including the USA, UK, Germany, Italy, Canada, Iran, Pakistan, Nigeria, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Taiwan, China, and Korea. The attendees included professors, lecturers, PhD candidates, and representatives from various associations.
Mariam's paper stood out among the impressive presentations, earning her two awards: “the Best Paper Award” and “the Student Bursary in Recognition of Outstanding and Active Participation” at the Conference. The former comes with a certificate of appreciation and 500 Australian dollars, while the latter includes 200 Australian dollars and an award certificate.
Mariam's success at the conference was made possible by the support of her UIII Faculty and Campus, who provided both material and other forms of assistance. Mariam feels grateful to have had the opportunity to attend such a prestigious international conference, and her experience highlights the benefits of her rigorous education at UIII's Faculty of Education. As Mariam continues her studies and research, she is confident in her ability to compete internationally and contribute to the field of critical thinking instruction in Islamic higher education.
Determination and Hardwork
Growing up in the remote area of Jasinga, Bogor, West Java, Mariam Ulpah faced many challenges in pursuing her dream of receiving a higher education. Her family had an irregular income, and her parents had the old-fashioned belief that women should only return to the kitchen and that higher education was not important. Therefore, she had to compete for scholarship opportunities to attend school.
With her determination and hard work, she was able to complete six years at the Ummul Quro Al Islami Islamic Boarding School in Leuwiliang, Bogor, with the help of a portion of the Outstanding Santri Scholarship. She then went on to pursue a double degree at two different universities in Jakarta, Al-Azhar Indonesia University majoring in Arabic literature and the Department of International Relations at Muhammadiyah University of Jakarta.
Despite the financial and cultural barriers, she excelled in her studies and even received cum laude honors for her double degree. Her thesis titles were "Honorifics Social Deixis in the Novel Imraatun Inda Nuqtotis Sidr by Nawal El Saadawi" and "Factors Pushing Turkey in Intervening in the Mosul War in Northern Iraq in 2014-2016." She also had the opportunity to study Arabic literature at the University of Tunis in Tunisia and even worked as part of the Media and Publication team at the Indonesian Embassy in Tunis.
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of education. Despite facing significant obstacles, she never gave up on her dream of receiving a higher education. With the help of scholarships and her own hard work, she was able to overcome financial and cultural barriers and achieve her goals. Her story is an inspiration to many who face similar challenges in pursuing their dreams.
Push Your Potential to the Max!
Mariam Ulpah is a first-generation master's program student at the Faculty of Education at the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII). Being part of the first batch made her want to show that she was capable of finishing what she started and become a source of pride for the Faculty in particular and the Campus in general, despite the burden of being the first batch.
Before she became a UIII student, she had her own insecurities about her abilities and potential. At the beginning of college, she found it difficult to cope with the heavy and endless assignments. However, as time and semesters passed, she experienced a drastic and significant change where writing in English was no longer a burden and reading materials in English became a daily routine that didn't take long to comprehend.
She is grateful and appreciative of being a part of the UIII's first batch, especially in the Faculty of Education. The teachings and challenging assignments have helped her to become more confident and achieve more than she ever thought possible. She believes that her current achievements are the result of the sincerity of the lecturers at the Faculty and the staff who always go the extra mile to help their students.
To all the potential UIII students, she is confident that they will never regret being a part of this institution. The learning and socializing atmosphere on this campus is warm and feels like a family. The environment and the international friends make for a unique experience. Apart from academic matters, non-academic aspects will also be found on this campus. One of the things she enjoys is the opportunity to expand her network of great scholars both in Indonesia and abroad.
UIII offers something that she has never experienced before in any other institution. Being a UIII student is a major and special achievement for her. She is certain that the institution will help its students to be more courageous and confident to compete on the international stage.
Her message to fellow students is that making good history wherever they are is one of the foundations of success. They should keep growing, push their potential to the max, never feel satisfied, and keep reading and writing. If they feel challenged by very heavy assignments, they should be grateful because it means that the lecturers love their students.
Embracing AI Chatbot ChatGPT: For Better or Worse?
Embracing AI Chatbot ChatGPT: For Better or Worse?
March 29, 2023
Contributor: Magello Fenis & Maroof Ahmed | Editor: Supriyono
An artificial intelligence chatbot dubbed ChatGPT has recently been on trending on social media and becomes a spotlight of discussions in academic circles. ChatGPT is developed by OpenAI—an American artificial intelligence research laboratory. Later, a multinational technology firm Microsoft Corporation joined the share by investing $1 billion in an attempt to develop the artificial intelligence to the next level.
Generating the public response to the AI tool, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman tweeted on December 5, 2022, that ChatGPT had crossed 1 million users in just five days after its launch. By the end of January 2023, the number multiplied to 100 million users worldwide, proving the high enthusiasm from the public for its presence.
Since ChatGPT is an AI language model, it can yield the processing of data at a tremendous speed and efficiency—less than 10 seconds as per our own observation. In this regard, chatbots are designed to simulate conversation with the absence of human feelings and emotions.
In its technicality, ChatGPT can operate 24/7. Due to the simplicity of its practical use, an individual may no longer need instructional aid to utilize this tool. As an implication, a student may use this chatbot to seek clarity about their lessons. Or if they are just sad and looking for someone to talk with, ChatGPT can even provide therapeutic advice on how to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Yet, despite the positive implications that ChatGPT carries, educators and AI experts around the world are concerned on its possible adverse implications, especially on plagiarism and data privacy. While some would use this cutting-edge tool as a beneficial educational tool, this generative language model can also be used for cheating. In this regard, it is difficult for assessors to really evaluate human-like responses if the output is done by the learners themselves or by the ever-dynamic chatbot.
In response to the raising phenomenon of AI Chatbot ChatGPT, an educational expert who is also the head of the Ph.D. in Education program at Universitas Internasional Islam Indonesia (UIII), Dr. Bambang Sumintono, stressed that the use of it would most likely become more common and thus will make significant changes, especially for businesses like tuition services since AI gives unrivaled answers.
“Many universities as well as journal [publishers], still [do] not recognize machine as a co-author for paper/article/manuscript. So far our university also [does] not permit the use of ChatGPT in terms of assignments and thesis. [Thus] it is still considered cheating, especially when [it is] not declared openly by the student,” Dr. Sumintono said.
In terms of the students’ use of ChatGPT, Dr. Sumintono exemplified this as any other website, meaning that it is open for use, yet only for looking up information. With that being said, Dr. Sumintono stressed that it will become a problem if the students utilized ChatGPT for doing scholarly works that need valid citations.
“I do not think it is a good choice but regulations about independent work, accountability, [and] transparency needs to be looked at [in] more detail, to what extent we can accept work by machine in students’ work,” explained Dr. Sumintono.
Concurring with Dr. Sumintono’s statement, a Ph.D. student at UIII’s Faculty of Social Sciences, Ararat Kostanian, said that the positive and negative aspects of ChatGPT should be taken into consideration. “It is positive when artificial intelligence becomes a method to help researchers, whether in terms of finding articles or keywords by algorithms, but I find tools such as ChatGPT negative when some sources are trying to present it as an alternative to written articles by human beings,” he said.
Indeed, ChatGPT like any other technological tool in the world can be used as either a medicine or a poison. It can be used as a medicine in providing fundamental information and assistance to users which can be used for research and development in inflicting positive impacts to the society. On the other hand, it can also be used for fraud and malicious activities which can spread malicious content and unethical activities.
Thus, this phenomenon becomes a collective homework for all of us in the education field to address this issue in the future.
source: https://www.uiii.ac.id/features/read/57315/embracing-ai-chatbot-chatgpt-for-better-or-worse
FoE Holds Software-Based Qualitative Data Analysis Workshop
FoE Holds Software-Based Qualitative Data Analysis Workshop
March 03, 2023
Contributor: Maroof Ahmed | Editor: Supriyono
As part of its effort to produce research-competent graduates, the Faculty of Education (FoE) at the Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) holds on March 1-3, 2023, a three-day workshop themed ‘Qualitative Analysis with Software’ delivered by Dr. Bambang Sumintono as the head of program in Ph.D. in Education.
Derived from the fact that most qualitative analysis is conducted manually—at least in the Indonesian context, the faculty seeks to equip the students with skills that could ease them in doing research, whilst also highlighting the importance of making use of technology in producing academic works.
Primarily targeted to the fourth-semester students who are currently completing their master’s thesis, the workshop saw a sizeable crowd of around forty-five participants hailing not only students, but also researchers, and faculty members at UIII.
"Managing a lot of data is sometimes overwhelming for students. So, it needs certain tools that could help them ease [the process]" Dr. Bambang said, highlighting the importance of using software to manage and retrieve data, as it could make the process of coding and analyzing the data easier, faster, and more efficient.
In Indonesia, qualitative data analysis is a commonly used approach in the field of education. However, Dr. Bambang pointed out that the kind of software used for qualitative analysis remains complicated to carry out. Thus, the workshop is projected to equip students, researchers, and faculty members with the necessary skills to manage and analyze qualitative data using the Quirkos software.
"Learning how to use Quirkos will help a lot in terms of managing the [qualitative] data, identifying the coding, finding the pattern, and doing the analysis. [Also] It will help a lot in terms of doing interpretive analysis", Dr. Bambang told the UIII’s media team.
Aiming to be a research-based university, UIII currently offers MA and Ph.D. programs for both local and international students at four different faculties namely Islamic Studies, Social Sciences, Business and Economics, and Education.
source: https://www.uiii.ac.id/events/read/57301/foe-holds-software-based-qualitative-data-analysis-workshop