SMPN 2 Tanjunganom, Nganjuk

Making Students the Center of Learning

THERE have been many positive changes in SMPN 2 Tanjunganom, Nganjuk, following their partnership with DBE3. It started with physical changes in student seating, where students now sit in groups, and in more attractive classrooms, where students’ work is displayed. The work from classroom activities is kept in folders so that students’ improvement can be monitored.

Teachers have started asking high-level thinking questions. Students also welcome this change with enthusiasm. This active learning model allows them to express their ideas more freely. They are not afraid to ask and seek information anymore.

Clearly, this positive change is the result of the efforts of everyone in the school. The school principal is committed to allocate funding from the school budget to promote improvements in the quality of learning. Moreover, another positive change was observed by Drs. Soedjono, the Principal of SMPN 2 Tanjunganom.

Teachers are now more innovative in delivering lessons. Teaching and learning has become more interactive and interesting for both teachers and students. More simple, affordable, and contextual learning media have been used by teachers in their lessons. ICT is also integrated into teaching and learning in the classroom.

Teaching Good Behavior using a Good Manners Book

TAKING inspiration from one of the books donated by DBE3, Ms Diah Wulansari, an English teacher at SMPN 1 Camplong inspired her students to produce their own book. The Good Manners Book was the theme for this particular lesson that she facilitated recently. As a start, the teacher gave a number of examples of sentences about good behavior (e.g. brush your teeth before you sleep, use your right hand when you're eating.

Turn off the light when you sleep, etc.). Students were then asked to mention other instances of good behavior and to translate them into English. Students had to use old materials such as paper, card, or newspaper to produce the book. The result was impressive! Students were also able to learn from one another as each of them was asked to make a different Good Manners Book.