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MBKM Teaching Campus Batch 8 Activities at SDN 1 Renon
MBKM program provides students with opportunities to develop themselves through firsthand experiences in the education sector. One of the programs I participated in was Kampus Mengajar Batch 8, which was conducted at SDN 1 Renon. Throughout this program, I not only gained valuable knowledge about teaching methods but also developed a deeper understanding of how the education system functions at the elementary level, particularly in addressing the challenges children face in their learning process.
Kampus Mengajar is one of the initiatives under the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka program, where students are given the opportunity to teach in schools that require additional support, particularly in areas lacking sufficient teaching staff. This program aims to provide students with direct experience in the education field while also making a positive contribution to the advancement of education in Indonesia.
I participated in this program at SDN 1 Renon, an elementary school located in Denpasar, Bali. During this experience, I was often assigned as a teacher in different classes randomly—sometimes teaching lower-grade students and at other times handling sixth-grade classes. SDN 1 Renon is a school with a diverse student body, where students come from different backgrounds but share a strong enthusiasm for learning.
Participating in Kampus Mengajar provided various benefits, both for me as a student and for the children in the school where I taught. For me, the most significant benefit was the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the education field and develop my teaching skills. As a student majoring in Japanese Literature, I had no prior experience teaching at the elementary level, so this program broadened my perspective on effective and engaging teaching methods for young learners.
Moreover, I learned how to manage a classroom, address challenges that arise during the learning process, and understand the unique characteristics of different students. I also discovered ways to create a fun and engaging learning environment that helps children grasp lessons in ways that align with their developmental stage.
For the children, the main benefit was having enjoyable and interactive learning experiences. By using varied teaching methods, such as flashcard games and other creative activities, I hoped to help them better understand their lessons and feel more motivated to learn.
During my participation in Kampus Mengajar at SDN 1 Renon, I was involved in various educational activities that focused not only on theoretical knowledge but also on hands-on practice and creativity. One of the most interesting aspects was adapting the learning materials to suit the needs and comprehension levels of different students.
I began my teaching sessions by introducing simple and easy-to-understand concepts. Some of the activities I conducted included English-Indonesian flashcard games and math flashcards. These games effectively helped children expand their English vocabulary and grasp basic mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Through these engaging activities, students were able to learn in a way that felt enjoyable rather than burdensome.
Additionally, I designed a more specialized program related to Japanese Literature, which aligned with my academic background. I introduced a learning activity based on Tanabata, a traditional Japanese festival that tells the story of two stars separated by the galaxy, meeting only once a year on July 7th. In this activity, children were encouraged to write their wishes on origami paper shaped like birds. This activity not only introduced them to Japanese culture but also fostered their creativity in writing and imagination.
On the festival’s culminating day, the children’s work was showcased in an event called Festival Saren. This festival was a special moment where students could proudly display their creations and take pride in their achievements.
Apart from subject-based lessons, I also took the opportunity to teach values such as teamwork, discipline, and responsibility. These aspects are crucial in ensuring that children grow not only academically intelligent but also develop strong moral character.
My experience participating in Kampus Mengajar at SDN 1 Renon left a profound impact on me. Seeing the children’s enthusiasm and eagerness to learn inspired and motivated me. Although I faced several challenges, particularly in maintaining students’ focus during lessons, I found this experience to be incredibly valuable for my personal and professional growth as a future educator.
At times, I struggled to keep students engaged, especially in large classes with varying attention spans. However, I learned to be more patient and creative in finding ways to help them better understand the material. I also realized that teaching is not just about delivering knowledge but also about building meaningful relationships with students to make them feel comfortable and motivated to learn.
My message to fellow students who are considering joining the MBKM program is: do not hesitate to take part. Although it may seem challenging, the experience is incredibly rewarding. Not only will you develop teaching skills, but you will also have the chance to make a positive impact on children in schools that need support. This program also broadens your understanding of how the education system operates at the elementary level and how you can contribute to improving its quality in Indonesia.
The Kampus Mengajar Batch 8 program at SDN 1 Renon has provided me with invaluable experiences, both personally and professionally. This initiative has enhanced my teaching abilities while also allowing me to contribute directly to the education sector. I hope that MBKM programs like this will continue to thrive and provide even greater benefits for students, schools, and young learners alike.
UDAYANA UNIVERSITY