implement the new curriculum. As a follow up to the decision, the Ministry
of Education released Regulation No. 160 (2014), which officially recognizes
the two curricula (2006 and 2013) in the Indonesian school system (Ministry
of Education and Culture, 2014b). Through this regulation, the ministry set
a transitional period (2014–2019) during which schools can gradually move
towards the implementation of the 2013 curriculum. This will allow time to
carefully review both the new and old curricula and prepare the schools for
the new one.
Description of the study
Given that the quality of education remains a major issue in Indonesia,
this study examined how Indonesian educators are improving the quality
of education, i.e. improving the academic performance of the students. In
particular, this study aimed to answer the following questions: What kind of
new pedagogical approaches do Indonesian educators offer to improve the
quality of education? Do these approaches work and influence education
quality?
In answering the above questions, this study employed a combination of field
research (an observation of a training session) and interviews.
- Observation
The observations were conducted at Surya Institute, which is located on
the Surya University campus. The institute is the central location for training
and development in the Gampang, Asik dan Menyenangkan (GASING)
method (Easy, Fun and Enjoyable Learning method). The researcher visited
Surya Institute on 22 May 2014. The date was chosen because that was a
training day for parents and teachers who are interested in applying the
GASING method to teach their children. The researcher observed how the
method was being introduced and applied.- Interviews
Additionally, the researcher conducted interviews with institute staff
members, to obtain further information about the method and its
application.
(i) Resource Person A
Resource Person A is a senior instructor at Surya Institute. She has been
working for Surya Institute since the GASING method was first introduced