Unismuh Education Technology Students Implement Contextual Learning in Southern Thailand

UNISMUH.AC.ID, NARATHIWAT, Southern Thailand — Students from the Department of Educational Technology, Faculty of Teacher and Education Sciences (FKIP), Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar, Waliullah Akram Afid Khaerul, implemented the Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) model in an English language training program for secondary school students at Narawhit Islamic School, Narathiwat, Southern Thailand.

The program was part of the 2nd International Community Service Program organized by the Lembaga Pengembangan Pendidikan dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (LP3M) of Unismuh Makassar through the International Community Service scheme.

In its implementation, Waliullah applied the CTL approach, connecting learning materials with the experiences and real-life situations faced by students in their daily lives. Through this method, students not only learned English vocabulary and grammar theoretically, but also understood how to apply them in various communication contexts.

Various interactive learning methods were used throughout the program, ranging from group discussions, educational games, simple conversations, to Q&A sessions related to the students' environment and daily experiences. The materials covered included self-introductions, everyday vocabulary, simple expressions, and basic communication in English.

Waliullah explained that the CTL approach was chosen because it could create a more active and meaningful learning environment for students.

"Through the Contextual Teaching and Learning approach, students not only memorize vocabulary or grammar, but also understand how English is used in various everyday situations. This is expected to increase their confidence in communication and motivate them to continue learning," he said.

The enthusiasm of the students was evident throughout the learning process. They actively participated in the various activities, dared to try using English in simple conversations, and participated in educational games that supported the learning process.

In addition to benefiting the students of Narawhit Islamic School, the program also provided an opportunity for students to implement Educational Technology theory and practice in an international learning environment.

Dr. Nasir, M.Pd., Head of the Department of Educational Technology, FKIP Unismuh Makassar, appreciated the students' ability to apply innovative teaching models in an international educational setting.

"The application of the Contextual Teaching and Learning model shows that students of Educational Technology not only understand the learning theories learned in college, but are also able to adapt and implement them according to the needs of the students. This experience is an important foundation in developing professional competencies as future educators and learning developers," he said.

According to Nasir, the involvement of students in the International Community Service program provides an opportunity to test the effectiveness of various learning approaches in different cultural and educational contexts.

Similarly, Dr. Baharullah, M.Pd., Dean of FKIP Unismuh Makassar, considered the International Community Service program a strategic platform for strengthening students' global competencies.

"We strongly support the involvement of FKIP students in various international programs. Experiencing teaching in an international environment not only improves students' pedagogical competencies, but also develops their cross-cultural communication, leadership, and adaptation skills to various student characteristics. This is an important part of preparing global-competitive FKIP graduates," he said.

He added that the participation of students in international programs is in line with the commitment of FKIP Unismuh Makassar to produce professional, innovative, and capable educators who can contribute to the world of education, both nationally and internationally.

The 2nd International Community Service Program was attended by 30 students from various faculties in the Unismuh Makassar environment, placed in various schools and communities in the provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala, Southern Thailand. Six of them were students from FKIP, from the Department of Educational Technology, Mathematics Education, Biology Education, and Elementary School Teacher Education (PGSD).

Through the implementation of the CTL model at Narawhit Islamic School, students from the Department of Educational Technology, FKIP Unismuh Makassar, demonstrated that innovative learning can be an effective means of improving the quality of education and enriching students' learning experiences in an international environment. The program also represents the contribution of students in supporting the internationalization of education and community service developed by Unismuh Makassar.