Inspiration and Innovation: Reflections on an Academic Journey at Deakin University
Inspiration and Innovation: Reflections on an Academic Journey at Deakin University
By Iin Afriyanti (MA in Education student batch 2)
During my visit to Deakin University, I had the privilege to experience the academic environment overseas. Upon arrival at the Deakin Burwood campus, my friends and I were greeted by Deb, an academic staff member. She gave us an engaging campus tour. I highlighted a moment when meeting Dr Fiona in her Digital Art room. I can see that she is very passionate about art and education. She showed one incredible picturebook entitled “Shordi Krik” written and illustrated by her students. I was amazed by that lovely picturebook since it showed how engaged the students were with the class as they could produce and create something. I ensured that Dr Fiona’s class would be exciting and meaningful. It is evident when we met Dr Fiona at Deakin Waurn Pounds, she taught us how to play the two songs “Boris the Bassman” and “Tatenda”. I found myself feeling released and getting more energy after having a chance to play and enjoy the instruments. I believe that the integration of art into the educational process is significant.
Besides experiencing the digital art class, my friends and I also had a chance to sit in Paul’s seminar at Deakin Waurn Ponds. I observed that the students bravely shared their perspectives. The class become the safest zone for students to express their ideas. I also could identify that students’ voices mattered and were heard respectfully by Paul. It gives me a new perspective on being a teacher. A good teacher needs to have the ability to listen to the students well, without further judgment. Paul also prepared the class very well. Every single material that will be delivered to the students has been ready and runs smoothly. It showed that he is very experienced in teaching. I observed the method that he used was experiential learning. His students were invited to experience writing a story with various prompts and using several tools. In my view, what Paul’s doing is very beneficial for his students, who are pre-service teachers. The students could directly experience and reflect that the writing process depends on the condition of students and their surroundings. Again, it was fantastic.
The consultation session with Maria also significantly enhanced my understanding of literacy research. We discussed literature and literacy studies, with Maria sharing her research experiences in Australia. Our conversation deepened as we explored Vygotsky's theories relevant to my research. Maria provided invaluable new perspectives that enriched my understanding and offered clearer direction for developing my thesis. In addition, the discussions with three Indonesian and two international PhD students at Deakin University were also enlightening. These conversations reinforced my decision to pursue further studies. The PhD students shared their experiences, covering topics such as approaching our possible research supervisors, securing scholarships, and their journey on their dissertations. One of the most significant aspects I highlighted in the discussions was the emphasis on ethical issues. It became evident to me how deeply Australia, particularly Deakin University, is committed to ethical considerations in research. While ethical issues are also addressed in Indonesia, the focus in Australia appears to be more comprehensive. The PhD students explained that ethical issues have a dedicated segment in their research process, underscoring the importance placed on this area. Despite the cold weather in Victoria, the kindness of the professors and PhD students made the atmosphere feel warm and welcoming.
*Iin Afriyanti is FoE MA program student batch 2, who visited Deakin University, Australia
My Memorable Experience in Performing Indonesian Cultural Dance as a Filipino
My Memorable Experience in Performing Indonesian Cultural Dance as a Filipino
by Erickson Samson (MA in Education student batch 3)
Performing Indonesian cultural dance, especially the "Dindin Badindin" from West Sumatra, is one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done as a Filipino and an international student at UIII. This was something that I will never forget in my life. I am very grateful that I have been part of the cultural dancers and, most especially, the UIII community.
As a person who is not into dancing, nor had I experienced performing in front of a big crowd, I firstly hesitated to accept the invitation of my friends to join them because I was afraid that I could not perform well, which I thought I might have ruined the whole performance because of me. However, I still sincerely grabbed it after believing it was a once-in-a-blue-moon thing. Thus, I had to seize this opportunity because I knew that everything could be learnt by continued practice and everyone's cooperation.
I acknowledge the guidance of my course mates Andi Ilham, Furqanul Hakim, and Ulfia Muru'ah, as well as the continued support of friends and lecturers. Throughout the duration of practice, when everyone was busy with their papers, it was very challenging because we had to spare time to practice, and everyone's presence and cooperation were needed. As a result, our practices went very well, with happy moments and laughter.
Each day of practice and observing my friends, I reflected that I would never forget this moment when I became part of this, with my utmost appreciation and respect. I even learnt how to appreciate and sense the music with all my heart. In the future, I will remember that these are my friends with whom I have shared some of the best memories in my postgraduate journey in Indonesia.
On the first day of the conference, I did not feel nervous during this period at all; I told myself we just needed to enjoy this day and our performance with all smiles. I was elated after the performance, as it was done smoothly, telling myself that all our efforts had paid off, and everyone seemed to enjoy and love it. Also, what I loved was hearing that our dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr. Nina Nurmila, told the visitors that I was not an Indonesian, but a Filipino. Moreover, some were surprised by that kind of thing; my friends and lecturers were happy with that, which I loved most.
At the end of the day, I have learnt that we must enjoy the journey and our process. These help us grow and appreciate the people we are sharing the memories with. These things only happen once in our lives, but the memories that we have shared with our friends may not happen again.
Our cultural performance has made me appreciate Indonesia's culture, attached me to this country, its people, and its language, and encouraged me to act locally as part of cultural understanding and appreciation. This is why I have learnt to love this country.
'Creative Schools' book review by Maroof Ahmed
Mr Marook Ahmed, an MA in education student from Pakistan provide popular book entitle "Creative Schools" by Sir Ken Robinson. This book is an inspiring call for educational reform. Robinson critiques the standardized approach to learning, advocating for a system that nurtures individual creativity and diverse talents. He highlights real-world success stories of innovative schools and educators who prioritize student engagement and exploration. Through engaging anecdotes and compelling arguments, Robinson challenges conventional methods and offers a vision for an education that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. While the book's ideas are invigorating, some may find its practical implementation challenging. Overall, "Creative Schools" urges a reimagining of education to better prepare students for the complexities of the modern world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW1pFfUfxjE
How to Overcome Obstacles on the Process of Writing Thesis Report
Dr Destina Wahyu Winarti explains further about thesis writing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWT8mKum5Z4&list=PLX82ye7O55ccCMY63ts2o9wzDjKyktx2T&index=4
What Needs to be Prepared to Write a Thesis Report
Dr. Destina Wahyu Winarti talks about preparation of thesis writing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tNXi0mRy5g&list=PLX82ye7O55ccCMY63ts2o9wzDjKyktx2T&index=3
'Leading Futures' book Review by Hazrat Syah Kayen
"Leading Futures" edited by Alma Harris and Michelle Jones is a forward-thinking book that delves into educational leadership for sustainable success in a rapidly changing world. It emphasizes the need for adaptive leadership approaches to navigate complex challenges in education. Harris explores the concept of distributed leadership, promoting collaboration and shared responsibility among educators. The book also addresses equity and inclusion, advocating for leadership practices that empower diverse voices. "Leading Futures" offers insights into fostering a learning-centric environment and embracing innovation to prepare students for an uncertain future. Through practical examples and research-based strategies, Harris guides educators and leaders toward creating positive educational transformations. Mr Hazrat Syah Kayen, an MA in Education student from Afganistan share his review in this podcast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4E9Wx6F-90
Islamic Based Educational Leadership: Southeast Asia perspective
Islamic-based educational leadership in Southeast Asia embraces principles rooted in Islamic values, blending faith with academic excellence. It emphasizes holistic development, nurturing ethical and moral characters in students. Leaders foster a supportive and inclusive environment, promoting religious tolerance and cultural diversity. Historical, political and socio-cultural forces form a unique Islamic identity in this region, which resulted in different practices and thinking about Islamic educational leadership. Based on empirical and theoretical perspectives from peer-reviewed journal articles, the study has found that different countries in this region have salient emphasis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7rL9Ssfngw&list=PLX82ye7O55ccCMY63ts2o9wzDjKyktx2T&index=2
'Sapiens' book review by Dhian Sintapertiwi
"Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari is a captivating exploration of human history. Spanning millennia, it delves into the evolution of Homo sapiens, from primitive origins to a global, technologically advanced society. Harari scrutinizes key revolutions—cognitive, agricultural, scientific, and industrial—that shaped our species. The book analyzes the impact of myths, religions, and socio-political constructs, illustrating how they've united or divided societies. Harari reflects on humanity's influence on the planet, pondering the future of AI and biotechnology. Ultimately, "Sapiens" is a concise yet thought-provoking narrative that offers insights into the forces that molded our world and continue to shape our destiny. Ms Dhian Dhian Sintapertiwi, a student in MA in education in this occasion review this famous book.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYcIUJvsPuA