The Valuable Learning Experience of Jordy in the US
Jordy considers the college courses he is taking at the community college to be basic but extremely valuable.
“When I entered community college, I felt that it was actually very basic, but since I didn’t have any experience in the field of education, but I had a lot of practical experience in the field, so it helped me to communicate directly with the professors. The professors here are very active in helping me, and sometimes they say that the knowledge you have in the field is already good, but you need a foundation that you can get in a school environment, in a formal educational environment, and that really helped me,” he said.
Education Centered on Children
One of the main things Jordy gained from the learning process in the US is the importance of child-centered and non-discriminatory educational approach. By observing the psychological emphasis and motivation in US classrooms, he noted a significant difference from the often punitive methods still common in Indonesian schools, especially in Papua.
In the US, teachers avoid harsh judgment and instead focus on developing a positive environment for children. He exemplified: “And that’s what I learned from the mindset of people here. When, for example, they create a work, we can never judge this child’s work, oh bad or good. We can only praise the child. Whereas in Indonesia, if there is a drawing activity, it is judged as 60, 50, 40, and that actually lowers the child’s motivation. I see teachers in America really pay attention to the mentality of children, there is no discrimination.”
Advocacy for Contextual Education
Jordy also highlights the value of contextual education. In Papua, where cultural and geographical diversity shapes the needs and challenges of students, education must be tailored to the local context. For example, integrating traditional values into lessons, such as teaching children about the significance of land and sea culture, can help preserve heritage while addressing specific community issues such as environmental management.
Jordy plans to apply the skills he has acquired by conducting training sessions for educators in Papua, focusing on lesson planning, child psychology, and effective teaching strategies. He also wants to advocate for contextual education that respects local traditions and addresses unique regional challenges, such as limited resources and high rates of early marriage.
The Vision of Jordy
Jordy’s broader vision includes improving the welfare of teachers and professional qualifications. He believes that recognizing teachers as crucial pillars of society – through fair compensation and adequate resources – is essential to raising educational standards.
The Impact of CCI Program
Both Veni and Jordy emphasize that the CCI Program not only provides academic and professional skills but also equips them with technical skills needed to contribute to quality and relevant education, which is a powerful tool for empowerment and lays the foundation for a brighter future.
