During my class observation at SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Kartasura, I had the opportunity to closely observe two distinct science classes, namely the Grade-9 Regular class under the guidance of Bu Mifakhus Sholilah, and the Grade-7 Regular class led by Bu Sabila Dina. The teaching approaches employed by these educators shed light on the diverse instructional methods within the institution.
In the Grade-9 Regular class under the guidance of Bu Mifakhus Sholilah, a group of 34 male students focused on the topic of Plant Reproduction. Noteworthy was Bu Mifa's application of cooperative learning as the primary instructional strategy. Prior to engaging in group activities, a pre-test comprising five questions was administered individually to assess the students' baseline knowledge. Subsequently, the class was divided into groups, each tasked with a thorough discussion of the assigned topic. Following these group deliberations, presentations were made in the classroom, culminating in a comprehensive conclusion by the teacher. To gauge the assimilation of knowledge, a post-test was then administered to the students.
On the other hand, in Bu Dina's Grade-7 Regular class, a distinctive approach to teaching unfolded through the implementation of gamified group activity. Within this strategy, students collaborated in groups to solve problems presented on the board. Each group collectively addressed each item, with the group achieving the highest score being declared the winner. This gamified structure encouraged cooperative efforts among students as they worked together to provide answers. Post-activity, Bu Dina reviewed and clarified the answers of each group, offering corrective feedback for any inaccuracies.
In both instances, the teachers demonstrated a commitment to engaging and effective teaching methodologies, fostering an environment that promoted collaborative learning and critical thinking. These experiences underscored the dedication of educators at SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Kartasura in providing a well-rounded and interactive learning experience for their students.