SEAMEO QITEP in Science (SEAQIS) with YPLP PGRI West Java successfully conducted the Training on STEM Learning Integration into Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila (P5) for high school and vocational school teachers throughout West Java. The two-day event was held at the YPLP PGRI Building in West Java Province from 17 to 18 July 2024 with 26 teachers participating from various schools across the region.
The training session was inaugurated by Drs. H. E. Kusdinar, M.Pd., Chairman of PGRI West Java, who emphasized the importance of equipping teachers with skills and knowledge in STEM education to foster innovative teaching methods and enhance student learning experiences. In his opening remarks, Drs. Kusdinar highlighted the critical role of STEM education in developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills among students, preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century.
The training was facilitated by the SEAQIS team, Dr Poppy Kamalia Devi and Ms Lintang Ratri Prastika. They provided comprehensive insights into the dimensions, elements, and sub-elements of Profil Pelajar Pancasila within the framework of Kurikulum Merdeka. This curriculum is designed to promote student-centred learning and encourage the development of Pancasila values, such as religiousness, humanity, unity, democracy, and social justice, among students.
One of the key highlights of the training was the hands-on activity. The participants had to construct earthquake-resistant straw towers to reinforce the application of STEM principles in real-world scenarios, allow teachers to explore innovative teaching strategies, and engage students in hands-on learning. They utilised the tools and materials provided to build their towers, which were then subjected to an artificial shaking device simulating earthquake condition. The performance of each tower was evaluated based on its stability and endurance, with the longest-lasting tower receiving the highest score.
Overall, this training was a resounding success, equipping West Java’s PGRI high school and vocational school teachers with the tools and knowledge to inspire and empower their students in STEM subjects. The participants expressed their gratitude to SEAQIS and YPLP PGRI West Java for organising such a valuable and enriching training programme, and they look forward to applying the skills and techniques learned in their classrooms.
Writer: Nursidik and Lintang Ratri Prastika
Proofreader: Ayu Intan
