Jakarta (ANTARA) –
Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has developed an innovation-based governance framework for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) laboratories to support Garuda Schools.
“The model integrates six key components: governance and leadership; inquiry-, project- and design-based learning; research and innovative solutions; teacher professional development; multi-sector partnerships; and best-practice dissemination,” said Suharman Halawa, a BRIN education researcher.
Multi-sector partnerships involve schools, universities and industry, while best-practice dissemination aims to ensure innovations developed in STEM laboratories can be shared and applied more widely, he said in a press statement received here Friday.
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The framework was developed through studies at five schools participating in the Garuda Schools program, each representing different characteristics and educational contexts.
He cited Garuda Timor School in East Nusa Tenggara as representing disadvantaged regions, Gorontalo Insan Cendekia Public Islamic High School for cross-ministerial governance, and Del Top School in North Sumatra for foundation-based partnerships.
Studies were also conducted at MH Thamrin Top Public High School in Jakarta and Taruna Nusantara High School, which have different approaches to educational transformation.
“We used these diverse contexts to develop inclusive governance recommendations so STEM laboratories can serve as innovation hubs that strengthen teachers’ skills and develop globally competitive talent,” Halawa said.
He also cited surveys in five provinces that found a skills gap among teachers implementing STEM education.
“Despite their positive perceptions and enthusiasm for STEM education, most teachers believe they still lack the technical skills needed to implement it in classrooms,” he said.
The findings show the Garuda Schools program should go beyond scientific theory and the provision of laboratory facilities and other infrastructure, he said.
The program should also help students understand how scientific knowledge is developed, formulate research questions and apply evidence-based problem-solving approaches, he said.
Against that backdrop, Halawa said BRIN developed recommendations tailored to each school’s characteristics to maximize STEM laboratories for learning, teacher development, research, innovation and collaboration.
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Translator: Sean Filo, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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