All teachers teaching any subject make a contribution because literacy and numeracy skills are inherent in all subjects, he added.
"So literacy is not about Indonesian subjects. Numeration isn't just about math. Minimum Competency Assessment (AKM) measures the ability to reason in the fields of literacy and numeracy, namely the ability to analyze information, then solve problems with logic," the minister said in a written statement received here on Thursday.
These are important minimum competencies, and teachers play an important role in students acquiring them, he noted. Teachers contribute to kids' ability to reason, he added.
He said the teaching method adopted by a teacher is a deciding factor in the development of students' reasoning ability, for example, it determines whether children are accustomed to sharing their opinions in class or how they analyze things. An active and interesting teaching method would encourage a more lively class environment, he added.
"We are going in that direction. So, it's not a matter of subjects, but a fundamental ability, namely the ability to reason. That's what we're testing," Makarim elaborated.
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Makarim lauded the Governor's policy on wearing of traditional clothing every Thursday, not only traditional Balinese clothes, but also from other areas.
He deemed this a good means to foster the values of diversity, tolerance, and nationalism.
He pointed out that National Assessment has been the first survey to gauge the values of Pancasila, diversity, and morality, through its questions. The National Assessment is also the first tool to determine the level of tolerance at school, the minister pointed out. The results of the survey will be shared exclusively with school principals, he added.
"So what is the level of tolerance, or what indications are there, later it will all be reported to the principal so that it is followed up and discussed with the teachers," he informed.
Additionally, the results of the National Assessment will also serve as data and information for schools on the basis of which they can make further improvements, Makarim added.
The minister emphasized that statistically, the results of the National Assessment would remain representative. Principals and teachers do not need to worry about the National Assessment participants—only 45 students per school—whose names have been determined by the ministry, he said.
“It is this amount that in aggregate determines what the average value will be. So, no need to worry. Sampling will be representative because we use very strong statistical rules,” Makarim added. (
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Translator: Indriani
Editor: Suharto
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