Stepping Together with Practitioners: UNY Science Education Students Enriched with Differentiated Learning

The 2024 class IV teaching practitioner program continues to show a strong commitment to improving the quality of higher education in Indonesia. As part of this effort, the FMIPA UNY Science Education Study Program has succeeded in obtaining a grant to invite the best practitioners into their classes, presenting a valuable opportunity for students to gain direct insight from experts in the field. On Friday, May 3 2024, the seminar room on the 2nd floor of FMIPA UNY witnessed an inspiring presence: Mrs. Herlina Damayanti, S.Pd., a science teacher at SMP N 11 Yogyakarta and also the school's deputy principal for curriculum. As an experienced practitioner, Mrs. Herlina Damayanti takes a dual role as a bringer of knowledge and motivator for 6th semester students of the Science Education Study Program. In two sessions held at 08.00-10.00 and 13.00-15.00, students were treated to in-depth topics about differentiated learning in science subjects at junior high school level. The activity began with giving a quizzes game to measure students' initial understanding, which was then followed by direct practice in applying differentiated learning methods and in-depth discussions regarding case studies. The enthusiasm radiating from the students illustrates how valuable this opportunity is. They not only learn from theory, but also get practical views from a practitioner who has extensive field experience. The hope is that this activity can help improve the understanding and skills of UNY Science Education students, preparing them better for their future roles as educators at the junior high school level.