The Department of Science Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), held a Practitioner Lecture on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM. The event featured Ms. Herlina Damayanti, S.Pd., a science teacher at SMP Negeri 11 Yogyakarta and Vice Principal for Curriculum Affairs, as the invited speaker. The activity was organized to provide prospective science teachers with authentic learning experiences and practical insights from school practitioners. During her presentation, Herlina Damayanti discussed various challenges faced by science teachers in the modern era, including changing student characteristics in the digital generation, the need to strengthen scientific literacy, and rapid technological developments. She emphasized that science teachers need to continuously transform themselves to create meaningful and relevant learning experiences for students.

She also introduced the four pillars of 21st-century science teacher competencies: pedagogical, professional, social, and personal competencies. In addition, she highlighted the importance of teacher collaboration, continuous reflection, and building positive teacher-student relationships as essential elements of professional growth. One of the most engaging sessions involved a case-based discussion on teaching in inclusive classrooms. Through a collaborative inquiry approach, students were encouraged to understand how adaptive and meaningful learning experiences can be designed to accommodate diverse learner needs. Through this Practitioner Lecture, Science Education students are expected to gain practical perspectives on educational realities, strengthen their professional competencies, and better prepare themselves for future teaching challenges.