Mustika Hati - 2nd e-reflection PETA

            On the second meeting PETA class, I learned about Thematic Learning. I never heard before about Thematic Learning. Actually it was my first time knows about Thematic Learning. At the first time, I felt little bit confused about what Thematic Learning is. Based on the video and discussion in the class, thematic learning is learning by combining some courses or subjects in a meeting. In the video the teacher teach some subjects that are Mathematics, Bahasa, Agama, IPS and IPA in one meeting. In my opinion, learning activity which is using Thematic system more interesting than usually but this method only appropriate from first grade in Elementary school.

            After we watched the video, we discussed in a group of five to identify the advantages and disadvantages of thematic learning. We also discussed about what we were going to do differently, if we were the teachers. Based on my group discussion we think Thematic Learning is uneffective, because this method used teacher centered, lack of student’s skills exploration, and unmaximal productivity of student. If we were the teacher we will optimalize the function of student’s group, distribute the participation of students better than the video that we already watched, do staffed telling story, etc.

From this session I also learned that there are several elements that must be included when we are planning for instruction. Those elements are the topic or the learning content, the activity, and the assessment. We need to determine those three aspects clearly and linked each other to avoid two mistakes in designing a curriculum. The mistakes are activity only focused on the activity and we just explain the material.

After that, I learnt something about being teacher is not easy as I thought. The teacher should found any interest and attractive method and technique that can make students feel comfortable and easy to learn some new knowledge. I think I have to practice more, read a lot and do a discussion with my friends to increase my understanding about effective teaching. This course really helps me to do the observation during SEP program.  I also want to make SEP program as a good opportunity to add my knowledge and practice to be an effective teacher. I hope that I can get many knowledge and experience through SEP program.