Sharpening Competence: The Key to Success for Educators in the Modern Era

HUMANIORA (5/7/2024) Amidst rapid developments in the world of education, improving teaching competence is crucial for every educator. Good competence not only encompasses mastery of teaching material but also the ability to use innovative teaching methods, utilize technology in the classroom, and adopt inclusive and adaptive approaches to meet the diverse needs of students. This was conveyed by Dr. Dra. Husnul Chotimah, M.Pd., the Principal of SMAN Taruna Nala Jatim, during the Field Work Practice (PKL) briefing event held by the Faculty of Humanities on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

Dr. Husnul Chotimah believes that by continuously improving their competence, educators not only provide more effective and enjoyable learning experiences but also equip students with relevant skills needed for the future. “A commitment to improving competence is essential for educators who wish to continue contributing optimally to the field of education,” she stated.

In her presentation, Dr. Husnul Chotimah emphasized the goals of education in enhancing the competence and performance of teachers in planning and managing educational instruction. She explained that these goals also include efforts to facilitate students in mastering 21st-century skills and enhancing teacher professionalism to meet character development demands.

"Competence is a set of knowledge, skills, and behaviors that must be possessed, internalized, and mastered by teachers in carrying out their professional duties," said Dr. Husnul Chotimah. She then elaborated on various aspects of teaching, including activities conducted by teachers in delivering knowledge to students, the learning and teaching interactions, and the mutual influence process between teachers and students.

Moreover, Dr. Husnul Chotimah explained the concept of learning as assistance provided by teachers to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge, mastery of skills, and attitude formation. She emphasized that learning aims to help students learn well according to their needs or to liberate students.

In her presentation, Dr. Husnul Chotimah highlighted the role of teachers as professional educators. "Teachers function to enhance their dignity and role as learning agents to improve the quality of national education," she said. She added that a teacher must have talent, interest, a calling, and idealism, as well as a commitment to improving the quality of education, piety, and noble character. Teachers must also possess the competencies required in their field and be responsible for performing their professional duties.

Dr. Husnul Chotimah also outlined the four main competencies that an educator must possess: pedagogical competence, personal competence, social competence, and professional competence. She emphasized the importance of the teacher's role as a facilitator, motivator, and inspirer, while students are valued for their presence, enjoy learning, and are encouraged to build their obsessions.

As the implementation of the Independent Curriculum approaches, Dr. Husnul Chotimah provided several key points that teachers need to prepare. "The concept of new paradigm learning, innovative learning principles, various models or approaches to varied methods, and adjusting learning to student characteristics are things that teachers need to understand," she explained. She also stressed the importance of differentiated learning concepts and assessment principles in the Independent Curriculum.

The PKL briefing event was filled with enthusiasm from the participants. The Faculty of Humanities at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang continues to commit to equipping students with relevant knowledge and skills through programs like these, preparing them to become competent professionals ready to face challenges in the professional world. [al]