UNS — A webinar on “Preschool Teacher’s Welfare as a Foundation of Alpha Generation Education” was held by the Behavioral Science and Public Policy Research Group of Psychology Program, Faculty of Medical Science (FK) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta on Friday (2/7/2021). The Research Group collaborated with the Association of Preschool Teachers Indonesia (Himpaudi) Surakarta. At least 110 participants attended the webinar from PAUD, TK, and Learning Group (KB) teachers, PAUD owners, and other parties.
Preschool teacher’s welfare received particular attention in terms of economic condition and psychological condition. Teacher’s psychological state needs special attention amid the Covid-19 pandemic that requires an online learning process and adjustment in various new learning methods. This condition supports Dr. Aditya Nanda Priyatama, S.Psi., M.Si., the Head of Psychology Program FK UNS, statement that, even teaching university students pose significant difficulties for teachers. Therefore, it could be worse for preschool teachers and their young students.
“Welfare does not stop at financial. Welfare also includes how we develop healthy psychological life, strengthen teacher’s position to educate and stimulate students well,” he stated.
Responding to these issues, the webinar discussed two topics led by Psychology FK UNS Faculty Member. The first material, “Teacher’s Mental Health amid the Pandemic” by Laelatus Syifa S.A, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog and the second material “Teacher’s Strategy to Prepare Students” by Afia Fitriani, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog. In the first material, Laelatus Syifa S.A, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog explained the challenges and factors that cause psychological pressures for a teacher amid the pandemic. These factors are online learning systems that lead to different energy exchanges between teachers and students, often boredom.
“There is a different feeling of meeting physically. Sometimes, we are stressed because we couldn’t meet students. Usually, seeing their smiles brought a relief,” Bu Latus, her short name, said.
Online learning also demands changed learning methods and curriculum for online learning at preschool. The usual education that includes playing, singing, and other activities pose difficulties as students at home might not fully understand technology. Teaching from home also causes additional fatigue as teachers need to fulfill their multiple roles at once. Therefore, Laelatus Syifa S.A, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog shared tips to maintain mental health, such as meeting physical needs, because people with mental disorders often neglect their physical needs, foods and personal care. The following tips are developing meaningful activities, limit information consumption, self-awareness, effective coping mechanisms, and building social relationships. “When we maintain our mental health, teaching students will stay exciting,” she added.
Regarding school preparation, Afia Fitriani, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog discussed the need to provide complete, “hands-on” learning materials at home. This preparation will ease parents’ burden to prepare students for online learning, and children will follow the lesson better. “Online activities will be smoothly and directed in its implementation,” she added.
The webinar led by Berliana Widi Scarvanovi, S.Psi., M.Psi., as the moderator, was also attended by Galuh Murya Widawati as the Chief of Preschool and Community Education Surakarta Education Office, and the Chief of HIMPAUDI Surakarta, Ysta Nofeca, S.Pd. Humas UNS
Reporter: Kaffa Hidayati
Editor: Dwi Hastuti