Yogyakarta, September 30, 2024 – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has launched the 2024 Batch 2 Lecturers’ Basic Training Program (Latsar), aimed at enhancing the professional competencies of lecturers in carrying out the Tri Dharma of Higher Education and instilling UGM’s philosophical values as a guiding framework for their academic duties. This comprehensive program integrates online, offline, and project-based learning to equip lecturers with essential skills that support their academic and institutional roles.
A Comprehensive Learning Experience
The training, which began on Monday, September 30, 2024, started with a virtual session conducted via Zoom Meeting, marking the first step in this immersive learning journey. The online session focused on providing the theoretical foundation for the lecturers, addressing key elements such as teaching methodologies, research approaches, and community service frameworks that align with UGM’s core values.
Following the virtual session, the participants continued with in-person activities at UGM’s Environmental Studies Center (PSLH) from October 1-4, 2024, where lecturers engaged in practical learning sessions designed to deepen their understanding of the environmental and societal dimensions of their academic roles. The next face-to-face session took place at the Agrotechnology Innovation Center (PIAT) on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, where participants explored innovations in agriculture and technology, learning how to integrate these advancements into their teaching and research activities.
Project-Based Learning for Real-World Application
The program’s next phase involved the Action Learning Project (ALP), which was implemented within the lecturers’ respective faculties or schools between October 9-23, 2024. This hands-on project allowed participants to apply the theoretical knowledge they had gained, addressing real-world challenges and opportunities within their academic environment. It provided them with the opportunity to innovate and develop strategies for improving the quality of teaching, research, and community service based on their discipline-specific needs.
The Action Learning Project serves as a critical aspect of the program, allowing lecturers to directly contribute to the development of their institutions while also refining their professional competencies. This phase not only enhances their problem-solving skills but also encourages collaboration and teamwork, fostering a culture of continuous improvement across UGM’s academic community.
Program Culmination: Presenting the Results
The program culminated in the final online presentation of the Action Learning Projects on October 24, 2024, where participants shared the outcomes of their projects with their peers and mentors. This presentation session provided lecturers with the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions, receive constructive feedback, and discuss how these projects could be implemented on a wider scale within their respective faculties.
A Strategic Approach to Strengthening Academic Competencies
The Lecturers’ Basic Training Program is part of UGM’s broader strategy to strengthen the competencies of its academic staff, ensuring they are equipped to meet the evolving demands of higher education. By aligning the program with UGM’s values and strategic goals, the university aims to cultivate a community of lecturers who are not only experts in their fields but also active contributors to the development of sustainable and impactful teaching practices.
Through this comprehensive training program, UGM continues to invest in the professional development of its lecturers, ensuring they are prepared to face the challenges of modern education. The program is a crucial part of UGM’s commitment to maintaining academic excellence, fostering innovation, and promoting the social responsibility that is central to the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi.
As UGM’s lecturers apply what they’ve learned, the training’s long-term impact will contribute to improving the quality of education, research, and community service, ultimately enhancing UGM’s reputation as a leading institution of higher learning in Indonesia and beyond. (DSDM/Rista)
