Student's Creativity Competition Using Waste Materials

THERE are many things that we can do to make learning resources. It all depends on one's creativity in using the media that are freely available, and in doing so the sky is the limit. This was the idea behind the "Creative Use of Waste Materials for Learning Media" competition held by MTsN Kudus.

Each class was represented in the competition held in March 2011. This competition aimed to explore student's creativity and capacity in creating learning resources, based on the lessons they learned in the classroom. All the students participated in this competition enthusiastically. "Students loved this competition and this competition yielded very good results. The competition allowed student's to polish their talents," said Chasnah, M.Pd, one of the organizers.

Other than the creativity competition, there was also a classroom management competition, which included several categories such as cleanliness and classroom library organization. It was hoped that student's would not only create learning media from used materials, but also maintain and use the classroom library as a learning resource. The classroom library is expected to be wellmaintained but also to increase student's interest in reading. MTsN Kudus used this competition as a refresher activity for student's after the examinations. The principal, Drs. H. Nur Salim plans to hold a similar event every year. He also hopes that teacher's will be just as creative as their student's.

BTL Replication: Gives Hope to Teachers of SMPN I Mayong

LONG gone is teacher centered learning, the era where student's were considered good if they just sat still and listened. SMPN I Mayong, a National Standard School (SSN), has taken part in BTL 2 replication. This training is seen as a force for change in order to improve teacher's performance. Change is now apparent in the school with 781 student's and 51 teacher's. Lessons are now pleasant and enjoyable for student's. This can be seen from the seating arrangement which is modified to support student's discussion and social interaction. At the back of the classroom is a board where student's display their work. This boosts student's confidence as their work is evaluated, appreciated and used as a learning resource for reflection and inspiration for other student's.

Teachers have become creative in making learning scenarios that are more interesting and inspiring for the students. Creating worksheets, designing learning media and determining assessment rubrics are not easy to do. However, teachers have been able to change their role very well. Both teachers and students feel comfortable in class. To make the change sustainable, the principal has initiated a mentoring or monitoring policy for the implementation of the results of training in the classroom.

School facilities and infrastructure have also been improved. Change is a process that does not happen in an instant. It takes a collaborative effort to ensure the sustainability of this change. It is expected that the principal, teachers and students will be more competent as a result of this change.