Pedagogical Content
SMP 1 Negeri Surakarta
Teaching Methods
When I was assigned to SMP 1 Surakarta, I was tasked with observing and handling Grade 9, specifically sections A, B, C, and D. Compared to the typical classroom size in the Philippines, I noticed that the classes in Indonesia are smaller, with each one having only 30 students. The teaching approach at SMP 1 combines both teacher-centered and student-centered methods, depending on the individual teacher. I think this is because of the sudden shift of the curriculum where it was once teacher-centered but became student-centered under the Independent Curriculum.
​
For instance, my supervising teachers, Pak Edi and Ibu Haryu are experienced educator who places great emphasis on reinforcing key concepts through repetition, using relatable examples to enhance student comprehension and scaffolding. In Indonesia, English is taught as a foreign language, so the approach often involves code-switching, where they blend both Bahasa Indonesia and English to deliver the lesson effectively. Through this teaching method, students can grasp the lesson although it still takes time because some of the students can’t understand full English. After the discussion, students are given worksheets to work on as a group with the guidance of the teachers. Through this, they will be given enough time and autonomy to answer the exercises with the knowledge they gained from the discussion.
Materials & Innovation
Since SMP 1 Negeri Surakarta is a State Junior High School, they must use the state-mandated standardized textbook. The textbook they are using is standardized for all junior high schools in the region because all public schools in the area have the same assessments during the exam period. Therefore, their textbooks are standardized. Under the Independent Curriculum, teachers are given the academic freedom to use supplementary materials other than the textbook. This was also why I was permitted to use different materials and innovate my teaching methods, staying consistent with the original material and content.
​
If I compare the content of the Philippines and Indonesian curricula in English, I can say that Indonesians focus more on practicality and grammar. These are evident in my lessons, such as report text, procedure text, and imperative sentences focusing on practicality. The English lessons in the Philippines are much more complex and use literary selections such as classics and full-length texts.
Sources of Learning and Technology
SMP 1 Negeri Surakarta makes use of projectors, and each classroom has its own personal computer for academic purposes. SMP 1 Surakarta is equipped with modern learning spaces, including well-maintained classrooms, a library, computer labs, science labs, and sports facilities. These resources help support both academic learning and extracurricular activities.
Based on my observation, the teaching philosophy of SMP 1 Surakarta aligns with the holistic education approach. This approach aims to nurture students in all aspects of their growth—academic, social, emotional, ethical, and cultural awareness. The school’s commitment to developing students’ character and instilling values like discipline, respect, and academic achievement shows a strong focus on shaping well-rounded individuals who are prepared for life beyond the classroom.
Authentic Assessment
Usage of English in Daily Conversations – I noticed that the teachers try their best to communicate in English through basic greetings and phrases that the students reciprocate and answer. In their discussions, teachers use sentences with topics students can relate to, such as household chores and eating breakfast.
Oral Presentations – They are also asked to present their worksheet outputs through reporting and discussing their answers verbally. They are allowed to speak in English but are also permitted to present in Bahasa Indonesia for students who need to be more fluent in English.
Bulan Bahasa: English Games – Bulan Bahasa is similar to the Philippines’ Buwan nf Wika, the national language month. This was celebrated in October, and we had the chance to become one of the juries of the English games. There were two activities: vocabulary relay and guess the vocabulary word. The goal of these activities is to enhance and improve the English vocabulary of students through games.
Other Activities in SMP 1
-
Ji-Mantra – Students play traditional Indonesian games every first Friday of the month. This activity is called Ji-Mantra. The students play Gra or walk on bamboo sticks and have Sepak Takraw, the same as the traditional Philippine game of playing ball.
​
-
Ju-Mari – Students participate in traditional Indonesian dances in the school yard. They are all required to wear traditional attire for these dances. We are also invited to join in this activity and later on performed a traditional dance in front of the whole school.
​
-
Sabarjum – Students will eat breakfast together in the schoolyard every Friday. After inquiry, the reason for this activity is for the school to know the type of food students eat for their growth and health. While the students are eating together, the teachers and students give performances, such as singing and dancing, to entertain the students. Each week, each section needs to have a representative who will perform. Me and my co-teacher Angelo performed in this activity as well. We performed a traditional Indonesian dance and sang a traditional Philippine song in front of the school.
​
-
Scouts and Flag Ceremonies – Flag ceremonies in Indonesia are an hour long every Monday morning. I admire how well-behaved and disciplined the students are, especially the Scouts who lead the ceremony. In comparison to the Philippines, who have both Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts, the Scouts in SMP 1 are a mixture of both genders. The experience of flag ceremonies in Surakarta City gave me a keen understanding of how much they love their country. This could be seen through the students' and academic staff’s passion for reciting and singing their country's national anthem.
​
-
Student Awards and Recognition – After the flag ceremony, the Principal and faculty members recognize students with awards who participated in competitions on and off campus. Through this, students will be motivated to do their best in both academics and competitions.
​
-
Pancasila Student Profile (Profil Pelajar Pancasila) – In Indonesia, P5 refers to the Pancasila Student Profile (Profil Pelajar Pancasila) implemented in schools. In the case of SMP 1, it was held for a total of two weeks. The P5 framework outlines the values and characteristics that Indonesian students are expected to embody throughout their education. I observed the P5 during my last week at the school. This school year's primary focus and theme is social and environmental responsibility. Students made vlogs, participated in activities, and attended workshops on social and ecological responsibility for two weeks. There were no academic classes during this time.