Dr. Bambang Sumintono Urges Indonesian Researchers to Prioritize Quality in Educational Leadership Studies
Dr. Bambang Sumintono Urges Indonesian Researchers to Prioritize Quality in Educational Leadership Studies
August 02, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Achmad Jatnika
Dr. Bambang Sumintono, Head of the PhD in Education program at UIII, has called on Indonesian researchers to focus on quality over quantity in researching educational leadership. His recommendation stems from a systematic literature review he conducted, which was published as a book chapter by Routledge.
The chapter, published in 2024, is part of the book "Educational Leadership and Asian Culture," edited by Peng Liu and Lei Mee Thien. In this work, Dr. Sumintono, alongside his two colleagues—Hasan Hariri from the University of Lampung, and Erika Setyanti Kusumaputri from UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, highlights the tendency of local researchers to prioritize the volume of research output rather than the quality of their academic works.
| Read the full article: School Leadership and Indonesian Culture: Revealing the Local Knowledge Development in Post-New Order Indonesia |
A unique aspect of Dr. Sumintono’s chapter is its focus on the "hidden literature", which are research articles written in the Indonesian language and stored in the GARUDA Digital Reference Collection, managed by the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture. By examining these often-overlooked resources, the chapter sheds light on insights that are critical for both local and international scholars.
“The review indicates a significant increase in publications on educational leadership starting in 2013, coinciding with the Directorate General of Higher Education's mandate requiring scientific publications as a prerequisite for graduate students' graduation and for lecturers' promotion,” Dr. Sumintono noted.
The policy, he admitted, has led to a surge in the number of publications. However, it has also had unintended consequences. The rapid increase in research output has, in some cases, led to a rise in conference proceedings and potential predatory publications, which could harm the reputation of Indonesian researchers.
“This shows that the ‘frog leap’ policy to international publications in fact needs to be done in stages, whereby empowering local and national journal publications should be the first priority,” Dr. Sumintono advised.
UIII, through its Faculty of Education, is dedicated to equipping scholars with the skills necessary to become outstanding researchers. The faculty offers four concentrations, one of which is Educational Policy, Management, and Leadership. This concentration is designed to prepare students for leadership roles and policy-related work. Through this concentration, UIII aims to cultivate a new generation of education leaders who can drive positive change in society.
LunchTalk with Dr. Ade Iva Murty: ‘Balance is the Key to Mental Health’
LunchTalk with Dr. Ade Iva Murty: ‘Balance is the Key to Mental Health’
July 31, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi
The UIII Faculty of Education (FoE) organized a LunchTalk on July 30, 2024, featuring Dr. Ade Iva Murty, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science at Sampoerna University, Jakarta. She delivered a presentation titled “Burnout and Balance: Prioritizing Mental Health,” where she asserted the importance of maintaining balance to counter stress and burnout, especially in academic settings.
She centered her presentation around ‘burnout, ' which she mentioned as chronic stress. “This is the result of prolonged, unmanaged chronic stress in a person who does not have the coping tools they need. The risks include excessive working hours, institutional dysfunction, lack of efficacy and control, inadequate incentives, and a particularly stressful workplace,” she explained.
She outlined the burnout cycle, detailing its five stages, starting from initial feelings of overwhelm, increased fatigue and errors, reduced empathy and prosocial behavior, decreased openness to problem-solving, and eventually, performance decrease. Dr. Murty emphasized the crucial link between burnout and mental health, advocating for balance as a preventive measure.
“The key to mental health is balance. Mental health means striking a balance in all domains in your life, private, work personal achievements, family, and relationship,” Dr. Murty elaborated. She advised individuals to take charge of their mental health by identifying and managing conditions that could jeopardize their well-being.
As a graduate institution committed to maintaining a high standard of education, UIII aims to provide a learning environment that not only prioritizes academic excellence but also fosters the well-being and mental health of its community. UIII seeks to create a nurturing environment where individuals can pursue their academic goals with confidence, knowing that their mental and emotional well-being is valued and supported.
Improving the Quality of Teaching in Basic Education in Indonesia
Improving the Quality of Teaching in Basic Education in Indonesia
July 29, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi
The UIII Faculty of Education recently facilitated the dissemination of professional development programs for elementary school teachers, organized by the Penggerak Indonesia Cerdas Foundation (Pengincer). The event, themed “Towards a Mathematically Literate Indonesia,” took place on July 26, 2024, in the Theater Room of Faculty A Building in Depok, West Java.
This event was a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UIII's Faculty of Education and Pengincer on May 6, 2024. Pengincer is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of basic education in Indonesian Elementary Schools (ES) and Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI).
The dissemination was divided into two sessions. The first session addressed “Current Conditions and Initiatives in Mathematics Teacher Education in Elementary Schools,” with presentations by Arkhadi Pustaka (Sampoerna University), Dhita Puti Sarasvati (University of Indraprasta PGRI), and Regina Nurashari (Pengincer). Dr. Bambang Sumintono, Head of the PhD in Education program at UIII, served as the session’s discussant.
The second session focused on the “Impact and Results of Gernas Taskara Training on Elementary School Teachers.” Gernas Taskara, a national movement initiated by Pengincer in 2018, aims to eradicate mathematical illiteracy by empowering mathematics teachers in elementary schools. Speakers included Trimadona B. Wiratrisna (Pengincer), Hana Sofiyana (Pengincer), Deshinta Puspa Ayu D.A. (Sampoerna University), Faradillah Haryani (UIII PhD student), Arsyiyatul Alawiyah (Pengincer), and Ratna Widianti Utami (STAI Putra Galuh Ciamis). Dr. Destina Wahyu Winarti from UIII served as the discussant for this session.
“We would like to thank all parties who made this research and dissemination possible, especially PT. Bukit Asam Tbk, Perkumpulan Nusantara Utama Cita, and the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII). Hopefully, this initial research can continue and provide significant benefits to basic education in Indonesia,” said Achmad Rizali, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Pengincer.
UIII remains committed to improving the quality of teaching in basic education in Indonesia through research focused on literacy and numeracy. As a research-based graduate institution, UIII aims to produce cutting-edge research that positively impacts society.
Career Opportunities 2024: Faculty Positions
Career Opportunities
Dean of Faculty of Education Receives Grant for Women Scholars Empowerment in Global South
Dean of Faculty of Education Receives Grant for Women Scholars Empowerment in Global South
July 18, 2024
Contributor: Achmad Jatnika | Editor: Supriyono
Professor Nina Nurmila, the Dean of the Faculty of Education at UIII, recently received a project grant of £25.4K from the British Academy (UK) to deliver training and mentorship to women scholars from the Global South, as part of an International Writing Workshops program.
The project, entitled “Decolonial Writing Workshops: Empowering Brazilian and Indonesian Women Scholars to Publish Global Academic Knowledge”, will be executed along with her colleagues, Dr. Leon Moosavi, Co-Director of the Liverpool Sociological Research Cluster, and Dr. Camila Prando from the University of Brasilia.
“Global North countries have always led the production of knowledge, thereby we follow their lead in this matter. Dr. Moosavi had an idea to break the barrier and decolonize the Global South's knowledge production. My attention is on gender, on women who still need much support in producing knowledge,” Professor Nurmila said.
Professor Nurmila elaborated that the project will target early-career women scholars in Indonesia and Brazil, aiming at honing their skills in producing research articles that can be published in well-reputed international journals. “We will provide what they need during the workshop, including day-care support for those with children,” she said.
The project will also facilitate South-South networking and collaboration between Brazilian and Indonesian scholars to produce new and valuable opportunities across the Global South.
UIII is always committed to promoting women’s participation and engagement in education by providing women-friendly facilities like daycare, and inclusive sports centers in the campus vicinity. We want women to feel safe on campus so that they can flourish during their learning journey.
Read more about the project here: Funding Success: £25.4k secured from the British Academy for decolonial writing workshops
Workshop on Rasch Model at Islamic University of Maldives 15-16 July 2024
Workshop on Rasch Model at Islamic University of Maldives
The Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) recently hosted an insightful workshop on the Rasch Model, a statistical technique widely used in educational assessment and psychometrics on 15-16 July 2024. The event attracted lecturers and researchers from Islamic University of Maldives, and officers from Ministry of Education of Maldives.
Dr. Bambang Sumintono, a lecturer from Faculty of Education, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), who has expertise in educational measurement and Rasch model analysis, led the two days workshop. He introduced participants to the fundamentals of the Rasch Model, explaining its applications in analyzing test data and improving the validity and reliability of assessments using specific software, Ministep. The workshop featured interactive sessions, where attendees engaged in hands-on activities to better understand the construction and interpretation of Rasch models.
Previously, Dr Visal Moosa, deputy vice chancellor of research and innovation at Islamic University of Maldives, participated in Scholars in Residence program at Faculty of Education UIII, a kind of post-doctoral program. During his time in Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia on September-November 2023, Dr Visal actively share his knowledge and expertise about systematic literature review, bibliometric analysis and educational management field. This time, a lecturer from UIII visited IUM in Male, Maldives, to share about Rasch model analysis.
Participants expressed enthusiasm for the practical knowledge gained, highlighting the Rasch model's potential to enhance the quality of educational assessments in the Maldives. The workshop is part of IUM's ongoing efforts to promote advanced research methodologies and support the professional development of lecturers and educators in the Maldives. Organizers hope to conduct more such events, fostering a community of practice around educational measurement and assessment in the region, and increase collaboration between two islamic universitis that come from Global South.
UIII's Faculty of Education Students Go on International Study Trip to Australia
UIII's Faculty of Education Students Go on International Study Trip to Australia
Generally, appreciation given by universities to outstanding students is awarded at the end of their study period. Uniquely, in the Master’s program at the Faculty of Education (FoE) at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia, academic recognition is given at the end of the third semester, particularly after the thesis proposal. These students were selected based on their outstanding academic performance and active involvement in various educational projects. Three top students have been given the opportunity to visit Deakin University, Australia. This visit took place from May 15 to May 24, 2024. The primary goal of this visit is to promote cross-cultural understanding in a new educational atmosphere. Additionally, this trip is part of their learning process in completing their theses, providing students with the chance to consult their theses with experts from another university. This valuable experience is expected to enhance their academic knowledge and broaden their international perspectives.
Regarding the cities of Melbourne and Burwood, they exceeded the expectations. Melbourne was thought to be like cities such as Singapore, Dubai, or other modern cities that are rather dull. But that was wrong. Melbourne is incredibly beautiful. Not only is the city well-organized and clean, but there are still many houses that give off an English vibe from the 80s-90s, reminiscent of sitcoms like Mr. Bean. Seeing the scarcity of tall buildings, especially in the area where the stay was in Burwood, where tall buildings are rare, adds to the memorable impression that will be boasted about to friends because of how beautiful and aesthetic the city is.
Nevertheless, the initial experience of visiting Deakin University campus in Burwood left several positive impressions that are still vivid. First, the university buildings looked new, tidy, and highly aesthetic. Never before had the feeling of visiting a university was akin to visiting a 5-star hotel. Perhaps because the person comes from a rural area in West Java, they are easily impressed by modern interior nuances. The campus is serene and calming for a campus located in the midst of the city, in Burwood. Secondly, the person was accompanied by Deb, one of the Deakin staff, who took them on a campus tour.
What impressed the most was when visiting the Visual Art class taught by a lecturer and (in the person's opinion, an artist), Dr. Fiona. She introduced how she teaches her students. Seeing how Dr. Fiona was so enthusiastic and passionate about her field, the person, who was previously indifferent to anything related to music, became enthusiastic as well. Perhaps, the person thought, this is the quality of teachers in developed countries like Australia, where they are not just teaching to make a living but genuinely want to share knowledge with passion and positive energy. Then the person reflected, why was she so enthusiastic and passionate? Perhaps because Australia is a developed country, economically stable, thus it has a good education system. If the economy and education are well intertwined, it will undoubtedly produce the best and most passionate individuals.
In addition to exploring Deakin University Melbourne Burwood campus, we also had the opportunity to visit Deakin University Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus. We were warmly greeted by PhD candidates, Anthony and Lei Bao. Our discussions ranged from conducting PhD-level research to exploring our thesis topics, sparking valuable insights and potential collaborations in academic research.
The highlight of our visit was attending a seminar on Language and Literacy led by Paul Garner. His innovative teaching approach captivated us all. Rather than starting with theory, Paul engaged students in hands-on writing activities, encouraging them to write narratives based on various scenarios. Paul's commitment to interactive learning was evident in his meticulous preparation of materials, which included diverse writing implements and interactive tools like markers and papers. This approach not only enhanced engagement but also provided a deeper understanding of writing narratives.
Overall, Paul Garner’s seminar exemplified effective teaching methods that prioritize student participation and foster a supportive learning environment. Since we are from the faculty of education, this was an enlightening experience that underscored the importance of innovative educational practices in preparing future educators.
According to Eka, educational experiences have given him exposure to various innovative teaching approaches and methods. "It was fascinating to see the 360-degree augmented reality room as part of future education and to discuss teacher-related issues with lecturers at Deakin University." Beyond the theoretical aspect, this visit provided him with the opportunity to experience the learning atmosphere and engage in direct discussions about educational issues in both countries. It allowed him to observe the challenges and opportunities in the world of education while reflecting on the current state of education. This highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing global educational issues.
The Faculty of Education at Universitas Internasional Indonesia places a strong emphasis on the practical application and global relevance of educational theories. By facilitating such international visits, the faculty aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice. The trip to Deakin University is not just an academic exercise but a strategic effort to prepare students for the global educational landscape. It underscores UIII's commitment to fostering and conducting pioneering research on Islam and Muslim communities and enhancing knowledge and social well-being. Additionally, it showcases Indonesian Islamic cultures as an integral part of global civilization.
Norwegian Expert Warns of 'Dangerous Trends' in Academia at UIII FoE Graduate Forum
Norwegian Expert Warns of 'Dangerous Trends' in Academia at UIII FoE Graduate Forum
July 08, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Achmad Jatnika
Dr. Lena Larsen, Program Director of the Norwegian Center for Human Rights, University of Oslo, Norway, warned early career researchers about the dangerous trends in academia during the 2nd Graduate Forum of the UIII Faculty of Education, held from July 4 to 5, 2024, in collaboration with the American Institute for Indonesian Studies (AIFIS).
“What we are seeing these days is a dangerous trend. There are two things that I consider as dangerous. First, the ‘mercantilization’ of academia itself,” Dr. Larsen said on the first day of the forum. “It means you are doing your study to obtain something from that degree. You are not focusing on the subject or the process. If you only want to have a diploma, that is not the objective itself,” she elaborated.
The second thing, she continued, is to focus on personal gain and self-interest, meaning that if the desire to promote yourself is bigger than the knowledge itself, then this is dangerous. “You see the biggest diamonds, the stars in the sky. It’s the same as in knowledge, they never promote themselves as good scholars. Instead, they build good personal qualities first,” she said.
Dr. Larsen emphasized that scholarly works is pretty much about doing the right thing. “If you do the right thing, you bring good personal qualities and ethics into it, that’s what will make you strive in academia. Unfortunately, it’s very much forgotten these days in the promotion of materialism of knowledge,” she said.
As a faith-based graduate educational institution, UIII aims to train scholars who not only excel in academia but also foster individuals to have a balance between the material world and spiritual orientation, science and religion, and faith and critical thinking, aided by the spirit of the wasatiyya (moderation) values.
Prof. Nelly van Doorn-Harder: We Should Not Let the Critics Discourage Us
Prof. Nelly van Doorn-Harder: We Should Not Let the Critics Discourage Us
July 05, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi
Professor Nelly van Doorn-Harder, an expert in religious studies from Wake Forest University, North Carolina, USA, delivered a keynote speech during the 2nd Graduate Forum at the UIII Faculty of Education (FoE) on July 4, 2024, during which she encouraged UIII students to not afraid of critique when writing scientific works.
“If you write, it’s not the critique that counts. It’s not the man who points out where the strong person stumbles or where the doers of deeds could have done it better. The credit belongs to the person who is actually there in the area,” Professor van Doorn-Harder explained.
She explained that academia is all about conversation and dialogue, thereby criticism is an inseparable part of it. “You participate and contribute one little piece, and if someone says your piece is wrong, that’s totally okay. You know that there are some scholars who spend their lifetime on things that are totally wrong.”
Professor van Doorn-Harder emphasized that the point of critics in academia is to give us room for improvement, and we should not let the critics discourage us but instead, motivate us to further flourish in our scholarly journey. “It’s not about winning, not about losing. But it is about showing up and being seen,” she noted.
As UIII focuses on international graduate education, one of its main objectives is to prepare its students to be competent scholars in their respective fields. We currently offer master’s and PhD programs in a range of fields namely Islamic Studies, Political Science and public policy, economics and sustainable finance, and education. UIII has the mission to provide an inclusive international education aimed at empowering communities and fostering global outreach.
Faculty of Education Holds 2nd Graduate Forum on Researching and Publishing
Faculty of Education Holds 2nd Graduate Forum on Researching and Publishing
July 04, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi
In collaboration with the American Institute for Indonesian Studies (AIFIS), the UIII Faculty of Education (FoE) organized the 2nd Graduate Forum with the topic “Researching and Publishing: Keeping Productive Beyond Your Graduate Studies.” The two-day event, held from July 4 to 5, 2024, aimed to encourage early career researchers to participate in scholarly activities, whether through scientific presentations or publications.
“This program is organized by ESTUDIA, our student organization, and I am glad that all students participated to present their research. We also have two distinguished guests from different continents to deliver keynote speeches, to share tips for researching and publishing,” remarked Dr. Bambang Sumintono, Head of the PhD in Education program, in his opening speech.
This year’s Graduate Forum featured two keynote speeches from Professor Nelly van Doorn-Harder, an expert in religious studies from Wake Forest University, North Carolina, USA, and Dr. Lena Larsen, Program Director of the Norwegian Center for Human Rights, University of Oslo. Moderated by Professor Nina Nurmila, Dean of the UIII Faculty of Education, the lectures guided the audience on conducting research ethically and publishing their scientific work in reputable journals.
This is the second time the UIII Faculty of Education has organized the Graduate Forum. In 2023, the faculty held the 1st Graduate Forum with the topic “Education for All. All for Education,” featuring Assoc. Prof. Bonnie Yim, the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Education at Deakin University, Australia. As a graduate university, UIII is committed to training novice researchers with all the necessary skills required to become competent scholars in the future.
source: https://uiii.ac.id/events/read/57576/foe-holds-2nd-graduate-forum-on-researching-and-publishing