PEDAGOGICAL CONTENTS

English is taught as a foreign language in Indonesian schools, whereas it is taught as a second language in the Philippines. In Sekolah Quantum Inti Indonesia, teaching English as a part of the curriculum is driven by the purpose of making students become knowledgeable in the English language and have increased confidence to use it in the field of communication, which is crucial for future success and internationalization.

 There were two types of teaching approaches used by the SQII’s teachers that I was able to encounter during the class observations on Junior High School and Senior High School. These were the Quantum Teaching method and the Genre-Based approach. Quantum teaching is a holistic way of teaching that focuses on students' engagement in the learning process. It is a student-based approach that does not just put emphasis on the cognitive aspect of learners but also on other domains of learning such as their affective and psychomotor skills. This is related to Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning which also puts emphasis on the three aforementioned domains.

 Quantum teaching involves the use of techniques and strategies that motivate and engage students, such as using humor, storytelling, role-playing, and other active learning methods. Meanwhile, the Genre-Based approach is a method that focuses on teaching language and literacy skills. It is commonly used by teachers to guide and support students to gain awareness and become proficient in various text types. It involves the use of real-life texts to give authentic examples of various text types (such as procedure, narrative, and descriptive texts) to learners.

 Quantum teaching involves the use of techniques and strategies that motivate and engage students, such as using humor, storytelling, role-playing, and other active learning methods. Meanwhile, the Genre-Based approach is a method that focuses on teaching language and literacy skills. It is commonly used by teachers to guide and support students to gain awareness and become proficient in various text types. It involves the use of real-life texts to give authentic examples of various text types (such as procedure, narrative, and descriptive texts) to learners.

             Aside from books as printed learning resources, SQII’s learning classroom also embraces technological advancements. The teacher uses electronic devices such as a projector, speaker, and laptop in teaching. The students also have their own gadgets and are allowed to use them if the teachers deem it necessary during their activities. Online websites like canva and quizizz are also utilized in giving the lesson presentation as well as the quizzes and simulations that are related to the lesson.

             In terms of measuring students’ learning or mastery of the lesson, teachers also apply authentic learning assessments such as role-play, essays, projects, and other performance tasks. I observed that these tasks are what make them more interactive and engaged during class discussions. It also develops their ability to work in a team because it allows them to get to know each other, deal with their similarities and differences, and find ways to solve issues that they face in the learning process. The “fun” exists in the learning that they experience and through it, they eventually acquire life-long learnings because positive feelings allow them to retain their learning from the lessons that are being presented to them.

INTERACTIVE CLASS DISCUSSION

An interactive class discussion is a type of learning activity in which students participate by asking teachers questions, responding to questions, and exchanging educational ideas with their classmates. Mr. Aji and Ms. Eva, as shown in the photographs, demonstrate how a teacher should facilitate students in their learning process. They act as facilitators, encouraging students to participate and share their ideas as they explore and find new knowledge through the learning process. 

As a result, engaging class discussions are an important tool for encouraging active learner engagement, greater student comprehension, and higher-order thinking skills. Teachers must emphasize its significance since it is a valuable means of providing students with experiential learning that leads to them being open-minded, problem solvers, innovators, and inspired to be the greatest version of themselves.