Learning that occurs in class becomes meaningful to students when the benefits are felt and the students’ needs follow. The teachers understand. If some students commit deviant behavior, it is in response to ongoing learning. This is an initial indicator that learning that takes place feels hollow and monotonous.
Based on empirical experience, it is not easy to create meaningful learning for students. Teachers often experience obstacles related to learning management problems.
However, it is not impossible that it can be realized. The condition is that the teacher always analyzes the learning process and the results achieved. With this basis, the teacher will be able to conclude, why learning is meaningless. Thus the teacher can think about how the learning strategy becomes meaningful. That is one of the systems implemented by International School, St Andrews Green Valley. International School, St Andrews Green Valley is one of the international school in Pattaya, Thailand.
Analysis of the learning activities absolutely must be done by each teacher. The analysis is carried out on the learning process and the learning outcomes obtained by students. This analysis is not always carried out in the form of assessment activities.
So that the principle of meaningful learning for students can be realized, there are at least 5 meaningful learning plans that need to be applied:
1. The attitude and style of teaching
The teacher’s attitude in teaching cannot be considered trivial. The teacher’s attitude is very influential in the learning atmosphere in the classroom. Teachers should show a democratic attitude and sympathy.
These two attitudes are felt to have a major influence on the atmosphere of learning. Perhaps a democratic attitude and sympathy will be a powerful weapon for teachers to attract the attention of students to take lessons.
2. Submission of subject matter
In learning, students need the certainty of the truth of the subject matter they receive. Therefore the teacher needs to master the material well and convey it smoothly, not haltingly.
3. Use of teaching strategies and methods
Perhaps none of the teaching methods is considered the best. In this case, a strategy is needed to determine and choose a teaching method that suits the current conditions in the classroom.
Following the ability of students to catch, relevance to the material and supported by available learning tools.
4. The use of learning media
Learning media are all tools that are used to facilitate teachers in delivering subject matter.
If you do not have adequate learning media, at least the teacher makes a chart or simple drawing on the board to explain the subject matter.
5. Relating students’ material and knowledge
The subject matter delivered needs to be linked to the daily knowledge and experience of students.
If the subject matter is felt far from the knowledge and experience of students, the teacher needs to modify the subject matter into simple forms. Make simple examples according to the social life and natural environment of students.
It is believed that there are still many other efforts that can be made by teachers to create meaningful learning for students. But this is adjusted to the condition of each teacher and the teaching environment.
