Effective Learning Strategies in Pandemic Times

“Teaching does not only convey KNOWLEDGE but also FEELINGS/emotions.”
— Joko Kiswanto —

Delivered by Joko Kiswanto, the sentence above is a whip for teachers in teaching. In real practice, many teachers only share materials and give many tasks without considering the condition of the learners and parents. The consideration has been ignored at the beginning of the pandemic. Teachers have not anticipated the pandemic situation, yet they are obliged to teach following the condition. Teachers must change their condition and be ready for the existing environment. In facing the pandemic, people, including teachers, are not ready. They need to change the teaching method to online. Teachers must empathize with the young learners and parents. Besides, they must interact, collaborate, and communicate with the relevant parties to create learning comfort.

Explained further, what exactly is expected in learning? Joko explained three things to consider. First, the purpose is to side with the students, creating a comfortable learning experience for children either at home or school. Sometimes, teachers deliver the materials without realizing their meaningfulness for the students. The second is collaboration. It refers to the synergy between teachers, parents, and students. During the pandemic, parents take the teachers’ role at home. Students learn mostly at home with their parents. The third is learning experiences, effective time, and competence. These provide students with meaningful and challenging experiences based on their abilities and needs.

In its application, several methods can be used. Joko shared the methods used by SD Muhammadiyah Al Mujahidin: Project-Based Learning, online method, face-to-face method, home visit, and blended-learning. In the process, teachers can use the asynchronous and synchronous (real-time interaction) methods.

The material was delivered in a webinar via zoom online media and YouTube (10/4/2021). The event was organized by the master of education management UAD (S2 MP UAD) with “Exploring the Quality of Education in the Pandemic Era.” Present as speakers were Prof. Suyata, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Lecturer of S2 MP UAD), and Joko Kiswanto, M.Pd. (Alumni of S2 MP UAD and Head of SD Muhammadiyah Al Mujahidin Gunungkidul) with moderator Dr. Achadi Budi Santosa, M.Pd.