Similarities Between Schools and Hospitals
In learning, students Master Education Management (S2 MP UAD) don’t only get a theory. The existence of practice and experience in the learning process further adds to the theory’s strength. To provide direct experience and examples in the world of education, the Masters of MP UAD brought several education practitioners, including school principals, teachers, heads of educational institutions, to give guest lectures in several courses. Among the studies that present guest lecturers are School Leadership Best Practices. This course is a course that discusses the best practices of school/madrasah leadership that can produce sustainable school/madrasah development in various aspects.
Through the Zoom application, attending the guest lecture, namely Dr. Ahmadong is an exemplary school principal from SMA Negeri 4 Berau, East Kalimantan (9/12/2021). In the prologue, Dr. Enung Hasanah as a lecturer in the course, explained that the purpose of having this guest lecturer is so that students can learn directly from sources who have experienced it firsthand, not just theory. The reason why is Dr. Ahmadong giving this guest lecture, because, from areas that are difficult to access and with existing limitations, schools can get achievements for individual principals, teachers, students, and schools in general.
“There are many principles in DIY, but there is something we might need to explore. Meanwhile, being a principal in DIY is relatively easy; the environment is supportive, the economic factor is supportive, the student factor is supportive. Moreover, public schools in cities are already good because everything is easy,” said Dr. Enung
“You have to go to school, even if there is no cost. Seeking knowledge is an obligation. I am sure that if you seek knowledge,e you will not die,” said Dr. Ahmadong at the beginning of the material.
Dr. Ahmadong emphasized always to seek knowledge anywhere and anytime. He gave an example of himself with his activities as a school principal and took his doctoral education at the Jakarta State University.
In this guest lecture, Dr. Ahmadong told about his experience as a school principal about what he did while being a school principal, and school achievements at the regional, provincial, and even national levels. It needs to be explored by students S2 MP UAD that schools from Berau Regency, which are geographically far from the capital city, can progress and excel.
In his delivery, the school’s achievement is a joint work and good work of the elements of the school. Dr. Ahmadong applies to teachers to work sincerely, work smart, worship hard, and worship sincerely. Students asked about the obstacles and challenges faced as principals in building schools. He explained that there was no change in mindset to change and develop from the comfort zone of students, parents, and teachers. From the existing experience, many school residents are pessimistic about how schools far from the capital city and access can progress and excel. Changing the mindset is the initial challenge. For example, since the 2000s, SMA Berau Regency has collaborated with psychological guidance institutions. Every child entering high school is subjected to a psychological test to determine the child’s basic abilities. The results of the test are presented to parents.
Dr. Ahmadong explained that there are similarities between hospitals and schools. Patients who come to the doctor must first be asked what they feel at the hospital. If an injection is needed, the patient is given an injection. A patient can’t come without an injection immediately. Likewise, in schools, the teacher’s job is to understand students. When students have advantages, this is what we explore and develop. Many students do not understand that achievement is not only in science but also in the arts.
