SAS21: Vocational School Summer Course Adapts Competency Based Curriculum Method
The Vocational School of IPB University implemented the Merdeka Learning Campus Merdeka (MBKM) in the annual activity of the "2nd Summer Course of Smart Agro-Industry 4.0 in the Tropical Countries: Improving Farmer's Competencies." This activity collaborates and adapts to the application of the Competency Based Education learning method of AERES University of Applied Sciences Netherlands.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Antonya Rumondang Sinaga, SE, MM and the committee team adapted the learning method which was the product of the SAS21 project activities: SMK Ayam dan Sapi 2019 – 2021. The project took the theme, “Towards Gender-sensitive Agribusiness Driven Poultry and Dairy Vocational Education in Indonesia.” This project is a collaboration between the Vocational School of IPB University, Maastricht School of Management (MSM) and Aeres University of Applied Sciences funded by the Dutch Embassy in Indonesia, with the theme "Improving Demand-Driven Vocational Training & Education in Poultry and Dairy in Indonesia".
The Summer Course was attended by 70 participants from the Philippines, Indonesia, Germany, South Korea and Malaysia. The participants came from 10 educational institutions, namely Central Mindanao University, Gyeongsang National University, Hoschschule Rhein Waal, Iloilo Science and Technology University, IPB University, Mariano Marcos State University, Polytechnic Jeli Kelantan, Polytechnic Ungku Omar, Tarlac Agricultural University and Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Antonya Rumondang Sinaga mentioned that "The method used in the summer course activities is competency-based education" which is considered in line with the "Independent Campus" which was being promoted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology. In this method, he said, the future professional tasks of students and the competencies needed to perform the tasks are the key. To explore the experience of the role of an extension worker or advisor, summer course participants were grouped and paired with each "target farmer" from four countries, namely Australia, the Netherlands, the Philippines and Indonesia.
Daan Westrik from AERES University of Applied Sciences Netherlands contributed by including one of the "target farmers" from the Netherlands and provided expertise input in this activity. He stated that he was very happy that the Competency Based Education method that was socialized to several educational institutions involved could be adapted for the 2021 IPB University Vocational School Summer Course activities. He also considered this effort to provide useful results for participants (farmers), lecturers and institutions involved. The output generated from this activity was a custom designed Mock-up Idea and User Interface (UI). This design is in line with the problems and challenges faced by the target farmer of each group.
“Although the mock-up produced is only an input-process-output 'idea', we hope that from this golden opportunity, the participants can produce an outcome in the form of awareness of the regeneration of young breeders and farmers who are solution-based thinkers and agents of change for generation-Z" explained Antonya.
He also explained that participants from various backgrounds could practice and collaborate with their knowledge and expertise. With participants from different countries and scientific backgrounds, they can generate ideas that are applicable and close to the needs of farmers and ranchers from the upstream industrial process sector. "This activity can train participants in digging up information, communicating, teamwork, identifying problems, mapping problems, processing data and mapping solutions and making decisions," added Antonya.
Apart from the participants, case study farmers also benefit from the empowerment and enrichment of this activity. The committee team can develop their knowledge by becoming a supervisor and advisor in these activities. It is hoped that the academics and industry involved will get sustainable benefits and can be considered a best practice for continuous improvement both scientifically and practically. (*)
About SAS21
The project is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and aims to improve demand-driven vocational training and education in poultry and dairy in Indonesia. The project is a cooperation between MSM, the Vocational School of IPB University and the Aeres Group.
Related news
Insightful SAS21 project steering committee meeting
Gender study conducted in Indonesian poultry and dairy sector by SAS21 project
SAS21 project in Indonesia: activities in review
