Editor
Laila Afifa
26 November 2022 12:47 WIB
By: Tati L. Durriyah (Tati D Wardi), an associate professor at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) /Indonesian International Islamic University (IIIU).
For years, literacy has not been the center of education in Indonesia. This could change after a long-awaited new curriculum was introduced during the pandemic.
When the Indonesian government first set about improving poor literacy levels in 2015 it regulated 15 minutes of reading for pleasure before the start of a school day.
Schools were energized, book displays and literacy festivals flourished, and while awareness of the idea of ‘literasi’ may have risen, the extent to which literacy learning is facilitated in the classroom generally isn’t clear.
Then, in the face of looming problems driven by the removal of face-to-face learning during the pandemic, the government took the opportunity to change the curriculum. Though largely absent from the Kurikulum 2013, the word ‘literasi’ is found substantively in the simplified Kurikulum Merdeka, introduced in 2022.
Literacy in the Kurikulum Merdeka was aimed toward facilitating students’ general capabilities to think and make sense of their knowledge and foster a love of books. But the Kurikulum Merdeka also embeds a much more coherent theoretical framework for literacy.
In the past, there has been a lack of text resources, and teaching instruction, particularly when it comes to the progression of literacy learning at the primary and secondary levels.
The government has also replaced what was a high-stakes national exam with a Minimum Competency Assessment, moving away from testing contents taught in school, this assessment narrowed the focus on assessing students’ general skills, namely literacy and numeracy. The literacy test measures Indonesian students’ general literacy capabilities of utilizing and evaluating the knowledge they learn from many school subjects to formulate and solve problems, that is, critical thinking. This is quite a departure from the old National Exam, which emphasized measuring students’ mastery of school subjects or content areas.
However, improving Indonesia’s literacy education demands more than a piece of national curriculum regulation. More literacy resources (texts/books) and qualified literacy teachers are required to ensure literacy learning in Indonesian classrooms. Making quality book resources available to support literacy learning is a big issue the government must tackle. Non-government services such as Room to Read and The Asia Foundation’s Let’s Read provide free-to-download quality children’s books published by Indonesian nonprofit publishers like the Litara Foundation.
But the greater effort could be directed toward improving qualified Indonesian literacy teachers. This is challenging because literacy learning in the Kurikulum Merdeka emphasizes nurturing general capabilities and a love of books. For this to happen demands teachers that meet such qualifications.
Literacy teachers should be comfortable engaging students with books for reading skills and discussing difficult topics raised in the book.
For example, amid a classroom book discussion about a girl who rescued her kidnapped brother, one boy questioned an issue of equal pay based on gender. The story triggered his response regarding whether or not a capable girl should receive an equal salary. The boys’ response appeared to come from his home background, where his mother was a full-time housewife, and the father was the dominant figure.
This type of teachable moment allows students to share their points of view with teachers guiding them to think critically regarding gender equality and equity. In many Indonesian classrooms, this opportunity can be easily ignored in class. But in a true literacy classroom, a difficult topic like this should be a norm to discuss.
Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info™.
*) DISCLAIMER
Articles published in the “Your Views & Stories” section of en.tempo.co website are personal opinions written by third parties, and cannot be related or attributed to en.tempo.co’s official stance.
Recommended
Tempo, Environmental Reporting Collective Shines at SOPA 2022 Award
17 June 2022
Police Nab Teenagers Stopping Moving Trucks on Tangerang-Merak Highway
17 June 2022
OJK Preps Policies on Insurance Marketing via Insurtech
17 June 2022
BMKG Responds to Fatal Abrasion in Amurang, North Sulawesi
17 June 2022
Anthony Ginting – Victor Axelsen Rivalry Heats Up in Indonesia Open 2022
17 June 2022
5 Must-Visit Ranch Vacations for Family in Jakarta Greater Area
16 June 2022
Transjakarta Revitalizes 46 Bus Stops, Provides Shuttle Buses
16 June 2022
German President to Visit Yogyakarta Palace, Borobudur This Friday
16 June 2022
Govt Still Plans to Limit Visitors to Borobudur: Luhut
16 June 2022
Activists Protest Unilever’s Massive Plastic Sachet Waste Problem
16 June 2022
Over 140,000 Schools Adopt Independent Curriculum in 2022–2023
2 hari lalu
Education Ministry says that 140,000 schools implemented the Kurikulum Merdeka (Independent Curriculum) in the 2022-2023 academic year.
Why We Need Healthy Forests for Healthy People
2 hari lalu
People living in cities have begun to realize how vital access to forests, urban parks, and green spaces is for our mental health and well-being.
Singapore to Tighten Shoe Recycling Controls following Investigation
3 hari lalu
The investigation found sneakers donated by Reuters in Singapore had instead been exported to Indonesia for resale.
Indonesia Not Interested in Having Diplomatic Ties with Israel; Here’s Why
3 hari lalu
Indonesia declared its independence in 1945 while Israel proclaimed its state establishment in 1948.
Norway, Indonesia Agree to Enhance Economic Cooperation
4 hari lalu
The Indonesian and Norwegian authorities have agreed to enhance cooperation in various aspects of the economic sector
Switzerland, Indonesia Sign Trade Promotion Cooperation Pact
4 hari lalu
Indonesian Trade Ministry has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Swiss government for trade promotion cooperation.
Indonesia, Malaysia Discuss Steps to Improve Protection for Migrant Workers
5 hari lalu
Indonesia and Malaysia continue the discussion on optimizing the protection of Indonesian migrant workers.
Indonesia, U.S. Sign Deal to Develop Clean Energy
5 hari lalu
The Indonesian Government and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Clean Energy Working Group.
Indonesia, Vietnam Agree to Advance ASEAN as Center of Growth
8 hari lalu
Indonesia and Vietnam are ready to work together to enhance regional economic cooperation and bolster ASEAN as a center of growth.
The Urban Jungle Needs More Trees
8 hari lalu
As cities grow and heat up, it’s time to get rid of your air-conditioner and have more plants in your homes.
Popular
Kadin Pushes Regional QR Code at ASEAN-BAC Meeting
23 hours ago
FIFA Commenced Final Inspection of U-20 World Cup Stadiums: PSSI
23 hours ago
Australian Zoo Welcomes 1st White Rhino Calf Born in Decade
21 hours ago
Jakarta Police Warn People of Crime Potential during Ramadan at These Hours
16 hours ago
Afghans Mark Start of Ramadan Fasting Month
12 hours ago
Heat Wave; Experts Warn of Extra High UV Radiation Broiling Across Vietnam
19 hours ago
Rules for Breaking the Fast during Ramadan on Transjakarta Bus
21 hours ago
First Day of Ramadan; Batam People Flock Iftar Food Market
14 hours ago
Integrated Healthcare Center is Key to Handle Stunting at Community Level, Says Minister
23 hours ago
Wings Air to Fly Again in Wakatobi
19 hours ago
Latest
Super Air Jet’s AC Failing during Flight; Transport Ministry Orders Investigation
31 minutes ago
Palace Assures Jokowi’s Ban on ‘Bukber’ Only Applies to Ministers
1 hours ago
Bogor Bans Night Entertainment, Sahur on the Road during Ramadan
2 hours ago
North Korea Says It Has Tested New Nuclear-capable Underwater Attack Drone
3 hours ago
NASA Delays Boeing Starliner’s Debut Crewed Voyage
4 hours ago
Singapore Push for All-EV Future Faces a Love of Crazy, Rich Combustion
5 hours ago
Afghans Mark Start of Ramadan Fasting Month
12 hours ago
Eid Homecoming Tickets Still Available, KAI Ensures No Scalpers
13 hours ago
First Day of Ramadan; Batam People Flock Iftar Food Market
14 hours ago
Jakarta Police Warn People of Crime Potential during Ramadan at These Hours
16 hours ago
Information
Media Network
Social Media
Download Tempo App