UNS – The research result showed that the Assessment for Learning (AFL) can give a positive impact significantly on student’s learning activity. However, this concept is not popular enough among the teachers in Indonesia, especially for English teachers of Islamic Senior High School (MA) in Solo Raya.
This fact encouraged two lecturers of University of Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta to conduct AFL training for English teachers of MA in Solo Raya. Incorporated in the Team of Community Services of English Language Education Study Program, UNS, Prof. Djoko Nurkamto, M.Pd. and Teguh Sarosa, S.S., M.Hum. have conducted this project since August 1 to October 18, 2019, located in MAN 1 Karanganyar.
“AFL is not maximally utilized. They tend to test rather than to teach and become curriculum executors in statistic way, especially in language skills like listening, reading, speaking, and writing,” Prof. Djoko Nurkamto, M.Pd. mentioned.
AFL is a process of learning activity evaluation in the class in which it does not only focus on the mid and final test of each semester. But, it is more about how a teacher is able to give a helpful insight into the student’s work, so the students understand how to fix it,”
“This concept will give a very positive impact, especially if the feedback is given correctly,” Prof. Djoko Nurkamto, M.Pd. added.
With this proper and periodic assessment, the teachers will arrange the learning plan and identify the students’ needs more easily and effectively.
The AFL training followed by 25 teachers was conducted in five meetings. They were a pre-assessment, material presentation, study and discussion about AFL research of international repute, and final reflection activity. In the first meeting, the participant seemed that they never had such training before.
“They admit that they never join AFL training. It is more proven with their answer about the AFL concept. From 25 participants, no one answered correctly,” Prof. Djoko Nurkamto, M.Pd. said.
Finally, in the reflection session, the participants have already understood the concept of AFL and the application of AFL in learning. In fact, they hoped that AFL training can be conducted continuously at an increased level.
“They finally consider that AFL is very beneficial for improving the quality of learning in class. They also hoped that AFL can be followed up with practice in class in order to apply the concept of AFL properly,” explained by Prof. Djoko Nurkamto, M.Pd. HUMAS UNS/Kaffa/Imron
UNS Lecturers Give AFL Training for English Teacher of Islamic Senior High School in Solo Raya
