Name: RUFINO SEGURA, JR.

Address: New Lucena, Iloilo, Philippines

School: Iloilo Science and Technology University

Age: 21

Receiving School: Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, Serang City, Indonesia

About Daar El-Qolam

School Profile and History

KH Ahmad Rifa’i Arief was an alumnus of the Gontor Modern Islamic Boarding School , Ponorogo , East Java in 1964 . Before establishing Daar el-Qolam boarding school, he taught first at his alma mater for two years. Had studied several classical books in several traditional Islamic boarding schools. In late 1967 , he returned to his village, Gintung, to help his father H. Qasad Mansyurmanage the Masyariqul
Anwar Islamic School ( مشارق الأنوار ).

H. Qasad Mansyur, indeed requires the existence of an educational institution in the future to a higher level. Then, he suggested that his son, Ahmad Rifai Arief, set up a boarding school like his alma mater, Gontor. His father’s advice was finally realized by Ahmad Rifa’i Arief to establish a boarding school named Daar el-Qolam ( دار القلم ), which in terminology means Kampung Ilmu . The only infrastructure in Daar El-Qolam pesantren at that time was only an old kitchen owned by his grandmother, Hj. The renovated dustpan is a room for learning. Hj. Pengki also inherited one hectare of land.

The early days of the cottage’s education were passed by various difficulties and limitations of facilities. However, the limitations did not prevent him from continuing to do so. Rifai remains consistent with his intentions. Daar El-Qolam began to show its development, in 1983 . His relationship with KH Muhammad Natsir , an Indonesian charismatic cleric, helped Rifai so much that he helped Rifa’i to get funding from Saudi Arabia .

In 1983, the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provided assistance in the amount of 64 million rupiah. The money was used to build a male dormitory which was later named the Gedung al-Saudi ( مبنى السعودي ). Some other money, bought land for expansion of the cottage area.

In the 1980s until now, Daar el-Qolam increasingly gained widespread public confidence from various provinces in Indonesia. Its modern education system, the application of living discipline and worship are the reasons for parents to educate their children in Daar el-Qolam.

On his 25th birthday held in 1994 , several Indonesian officials came to Daar el-Qolam, including Dr. Tarmizi Taher (who was then Minister of Religion ), Prof. Dr. Haryono Suyono (BKKBN Coordinating Minister), Hayono Isman ( Minister of State for Youth and Sports ), Harmoko ( Minister of Information ), and Maj. Gen. AM Hendropriyono ( Pangdam Jaya ). The anniversary will make Daar el-Qolam increasingly known to the public.

Development of Islamic Boarding Schools 

After the death of the founder of the pesantren, the leadership of the pesantren was transferred to his first brother, Ahmad Syahiduddin and his first son, Adrian Mafatihullah Karim .Kiai Ahmad Syahiduddin then asked his sister, Hj. Enah Huwaenah to guide students, while he handled the pesantren policy.

The Daar el-Qolam Islamic boarding school began a significant expansion under the leadership of KH Ahmad Syahiduddin. From around 15 hectares when abandoned by the founder, Daar el-Qolam now extends to reach 29 hectares. With many ideas coming to improve quality, especially coming from alumni such as Tafta Zani, Muhammad Wahyuni ​​Nafis, Ubaidillah Asnawi, Tabah Rosyadi and others, the Daar el-Qolam Islamic Boarding School established the Excellent Class Program, starting in the 2007/2008 school year. The Excellent Class program was finally inaugurated by the Minister of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia , H. Maftuh Basyuni on January 21, 2008 , along with the 40th anniversary of the Daar el-Qolam Islamic Boarding School. The Excellent Class program is then projected as an International Standard School in the form of Islamic boarding schools.

The construction of Daar el-Qolam is also not finished there. Now, Kiyai Ahmad Syahiduddin is also developing Daar el-Qolam branch boarding schools, which are specifically for handling junior high school students, in Pangkat Village, Jayanti, Tangerang, which until March 2009 were in the middle of building dormitories and classrooms.

Panca Jiwa and Motto Pondok 

Daar el-Qolam Islamic boarding school (and several Islamic boarding schools in Pondok Modern Daarussalam Gontor and Daar el-Qolam alumni themselves) carry five and four philosophies called “Panca Jiwa and Motto Pondok”. The five souls are the five basic principles that must be embedded in the soul of anyone who becomes a dweller, whether it is a cleric, teacher or santri.

The five souls of the lodge are as follows:

1. Sincerity . 
   The soul of sincerity is the main and first thing that must be in human beings. Ikhlas has a very deep meaning, namely removing elements that lead to personal interests that can pollute the purpose of life, as well as the purpose of education and teaching. For example in the process of education and teaching, the teacher must be sincere in providing knowledge as a form of gratitude and intended to worship God as the owner of knowledge. When students, they must be sincerely educated and taught with the aim of understanding the nature of themselves as the initial step to worship God.
2. Simplicity . 
   The point is to do something based on need rather than desire. Thus simplicity is an attitude that is not measured by quantity, large or small, many or few, cheap or expensive, but because it is needed. Simplicity is also based on ability not volition.
3. Stand alone . 
   This trait shows one’s freedom in determining attitudes. Berdikari also means trying with one’s own abilities without relying on others. This trait is also very important to give birth to militant souls who are ready to fight and serve the community. The cottage does not depend on the help of others.
4. Ukhuwah Islamiyah . 
   The purpose of this fourth principle is to establish human relations that are based on the principles of the teachings of Islam that are peaceful and tolerant . Ukhuwah in Islam is the value of brotherhood in the spirit of helping help who do not see certain boundaries, such as groups, ethnicities or even other people’s religion or beliefs. Islam tells its followers to respect anyone, cooperate and socialize regardless of their social status or even their beliefs. This is certainly very in harmony with the teachings of Islam as a religion that spreads universal peace or rahmatan lil âlamîn .
5. Freedom . 
   Free attitude means breaking away from the influence of others, both thoughts and actions. Freedom is not meant to do what they want, but freedom in determining attitudes and opinions that do not conflict with the basic values of Islamic teachings . Freedom also acts moderately without impartiality, which it supports is truth in accordance with religious teachings.

The following is the Pondok Motto:

1. Virtuous . 
   This is a trait that must exist in humans, especially the younger generation. This trait is very important and must be at the first level before other properties will be possessed.
2. Healthy body . 
   As potential community leaders, healthy and strong physical qualities are also very important. Noble character, coupled with excellent physical will give birth to tough people in the face of every challenge and trial.
3. Knowledgeable . 
   This requirement is certainly no doubt. He is also the main requirement that must be owned by future leaders. Perfection of a leader can be known through manners , a healthy body and extensive knowledge .
4. Free thinking . 
   Personality wrapped in moral , physical health, extensive knowledge must be able to place itself in a free place, not bound to anyone. What he stands for is only the truth for the benefit of the people.

TEACHING SYSTEM

Every stakeholders of Daar El-Qolam believe that the main purpose of education is not just intellectual development, but especially the emotional and spiritual aspects. So in its application, the education and teaching system in the Daar el-Qolam Islamic Boarding School is on two lines, namely the teaching path and the education path (foster care). The two paths go together to go towards the desired mission and goals, which are contained in PANCA JIWA and MOTTO PONDOK . (Which are stated above)

MATERIALS AND OTHER LEARNING SOURCES

To ensure quality and advanced education, the school has provided several departments that is responsible for the development of the school and taking good care of the curriculum to follow. Thus, the school is strict with implementations and therefore doing each of their responsibility to acquire quality education thus pertaining the following departments:

A. Curriculum Development Section

B. School Teaching and Administration Section

C. Section of Supervision of Learning and Teaching Activities

D. Development Section of Study Field

5. Study Section of the Salaf Book

E. Section of Monitoring the Qur’an’s Tilawatil

F. Laboratory and Library Section

8. Library Section

G. Worship Management and Supervision Section

H. Drive Section of Worship

I. Health Section

MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION SYSTEM

Teachers use different methods in assessing their students therefore utilizing the assessment of student learning 1 where the teacher uses quiz, paper and pencil test, worksheets, summative tests and exercises to ensure students’ learning on a certain topic. On the other hand, the teachers also utilized the use of performance task and output as part of assessing them provided that they prepared rubrics and criteria to ensure the validity of their ratings.

The teachers rate every student in 1 to 10 scaling. 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.

The final rating will determine the students capacity on a certain subject hence will also decide for the passing or fail of the students. The rating is comprised of three categories 1.) summative tests 2.) performance and quizzes 3.) attitudes and behaviors. Holistic observation will be used in assessing students’ behaviors, therefore the rating will be based on the teacher’s observation.

CURRICULUM

The curriculum applied in the Daar el-Qolam Islamic Boarding School includes religious lessons and integrated general lessons. Every day santri get a 7-hour lesson, each of which is 45 minutes long, stroked by a 25-minute break, which ranges from 7:00 local time to 15:00 local time. Outside of these formal hours, the santri also received teachings of the Koran, yellow books , and courses that could be followed in accordance with the interests and abilities of the students themselves, such as English language courses, Arabic language courses, computer courses, martial arts courses, and so on.

The integration of the system also made it easier for the santri to continue their education at the higher education level, especially to the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) which was intended for madrasah and pesantren graduates. Stocks of Arabic and English that have been given during the study at the cottage, make it easier for the students to understand the curriculum at the IAIN. Some Daar el-Qolam students who were outstanding students at IAIN included Ihsan Ali Fauzi, Muhammad Wahyuni ​​Nafis, Nanang Tahqiq, Ismatu Rofi, and Siti Nafsiah, who were excellent students at IAIN Syarif Hidayatullah , Jakarta . In addition, there are also many santri who continue their education to the Middle East such as Egypt , Makkah and Madinah .

Because indeed in the class they also study general science lessons, the santri will also be guided by general lessons with the same composition as religious studies. This is done so that the santri later after leaving the lodge can proceed to public higher education institutions such as medicine , technology and so on. This goal is missioned so that Muslims will be able to fill in more diverse social spaces, not only in the field of religion.
To support the program, this class has been equipped with modern facilities that allow all programs to be implemented.

TEACHING PLAN (Mathematics)

Teaching Methods

Teachers are well equipped to the use of different methods of teaching. They follow the school format in teaching planning and therefore stick to the school’s standards. The school has partnership with other universities as well, that’s why in one day every week some lecturers coming from the partner university will give lecture about certain subject.

Below is an example video of the teaching strategy of Ma’am Ichank of English class.
She adopted a game to test students’ public speaking skills. Students will sing a song, and when the teacher says stop the last person holding the paper ball will peel off one piece of paper from the ball and make a statement out of it.

Learning Materials and Innovation

The school owned some technology materials, such as flat screen LED tv, overhead projector, while students also owned some gadgets where they are limited to have and use on some scheduled time. Teachers also engaged the students in some media instructions to arouse the students interest in the subject therefore improve students engagement in learning.

Sources of Learning

The school has the library department where every students are free to enter at any time. But the school has the textbooks being provided for every student at every subject. Every student also owned some textbooks and reading materials of which they have coming from their parents being brought as they are being visited.

Authentic Assessment used by Teachers

The teachers are required to assess the students twice every semester, but they can also give some unassessed examinations to the students. Some teachers engaged in essay writing, role playing, projects, etc… to assess the students performance and understanding in the topic.

Curriculum

In Daar El Qolam, Friday is only the free day of the students, it is the time where they could spend leisure time to play different sort of games.

Each subject lesson is comprised in 45 minutes. In the morning the students should take 6 periods in the morning which start at 6:40 and end at 12:10 p.m. They also have a quick 20-minute break after the 2nd period and another 15-minute break after the 4^th period and the afternoon class starts at 2 p.m and ends at 3 pm.

There is regular and international section in the school That’s why some of the subjects are found in the international class program class but not in the regular.

In teaching Mathematics, Math is divided into two the Math 1 and the Math 2. Math 1 includes basic lessons in mathematics such as Algebra and Geometry, while in Math 2 includes Trigonometry and Basic Calculus.

However, I cannot find a concrete syllabus of the mathematics curriculum since the curriculum itself is written in Bahasa Indonesia but the book itself is a good source for the chronological order of the topics needed to master by the students.

Example Teaching Plan (Mathematics subject)

Below are lists of all of my teaching plan in Mathematics

Procedure of Teaching

My procedure of teaching must always coincide with the teaching plan I prepared. Hence, before anything else I engage the class to some motivational activities that could arouse their interest to make them active. Especially that some of the activities I gave are activities popular to my country and commonly used by Filipino teachers. Below is a video of some of the activities I practiced:

After the motivation, I immediately present my lesson through a wise introduction of the topic. I relate the topics I have with the real world situation so that students will understand easily the topic with their general view of it. And that is the time I start my lesson. Students will use their textbooks as resources of the lesson. And some of the problems are based on it but some of my lessons also being visualized through the powerpoint presentation that I prepared. I summarize my lesson after the discussion, ask some abstraction questions to ensure that they understand the topic. After everything, I gave a short quiz as assessment to the learning of the students.

• 

• 

• 

Time Management and Organizing Activities

Honestly, I will say that the time intended for every period in the subject is not enough to cope one lesson. Considering that you need to engage in various activities and assess the students after all, 45 minutes is really not enough. What I do is to make sure there is an allocated time for every activity I do. Less than ten minutes must be observed to make sure all other activities will be taken up. That’s why evrytime I start an activity I always make sure that I have explained everything well to them and emphasize the time needed for them to finish one activity so they will be aware.

Problem Solving

I always make sure to include problem solving in some activities I gave to the students. That’s why I love to include varied activities to the students to discover their talents and engage in multiple intelligence improvements.

Classroom Management

I have no problem with managing my every class since everybody is courteous and very diligent. When it comes to noise, I believe it is normal but I just keep quiet when everybody is speaking and they would keep quiet if they notice I stop speaking. A good classroom management will be practice when students follow routines at the start up to the end of class. The key is just a clear and complete instruction to be followed by students in that way good classroom management will be practiced.

Authentic Assessment

One of the ways to measure students capacity for learning is through authentic assessment. As I teach Mathematics, I employ on assessing students through drama or role playing, dance, singing, essay, poem writing, poster making, etc. This is to engage the class in multiple intelligences as one way of harnessing heir talents and skills.

As I teach Mathematics, I let my students perform a singing and role playing activity that connects to my Mathematics class. Students actively perform their part and showcase their talent as integration to Mathematics class. Below are videos of some presentations made by my students:

Assessing Students- Cognitive Assessment

eachers use different methods in assessing their students therefore utilizing the assessment of student learning 1 where the teacher uses quiz, paper and pencil test, worksheets, summative tests and exercises to ensure students learning on a certain topic. On the other hand, the teachers also utilized the use of performance task and output as part of assessing them provided that they prepared rubrics and criteria to ensure the validity of their ratings.
The teachers rate every student in 1 to 10 scaling. 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.

The final rating will determine the students capacity on a certain subject hence will also decide for the passing or fail of the students. The rating will be comprised of three categories 1.) summative tests 2.) performance and quizzes 3.) attitudes and behaviors. Holistic observation will be used in assessing students’ behaviors, therefore the rating will be based on the teacher’s observation.

This could be my first land in Indonesia and learning the people and the place makes me want to come back here someday. I am grateful to be
part of this SEATEACHER program, with this I really learn a lot about teaching and learning on another country and felt home on another place with friendly students and humble teachers.

One of the challenges I encountered is when I am alone at my room in an isolated place. Since I was the only male participant in the group, two from Thailand whom are both female and my friend from Philippines who is together with them. Since, we are in Indonesia, the school has strict implementations as to marginalization between male and female citizen. Boys are forbidden to enter into the females’ area. One of the things I could suggest is to make sure that there is two or more male and female participants to be in charged in one school, for socialization purposes and helping hands as well. However, my whole stay in the place is very memorable that I got to socialize with the students that they personally go to my room and talk, also the student buddy is very helpful, you add more the friendly faculty of the school that monitor my activities and help me a lot that I could easily adapt to their culture/

One month is in fact not enough to witness the whole place but the said month is enough to see the beauty of Indonesian culture.

This experience of mine will forever be in my memories. To be a teacher, I wish i could come back to the school again and meet the students I already miss by now. If I will be asked to come back on the school right now, I wouldn’t doubt to pack my things right away. Terima Kasih.

 

T

Indonesia has a lot of beauties and happy places to be proud of. Composed of more than seventeen thousand islands. We have just visited one of these and we have witnessed a lot. Therefore there are plenty of other amazing places to witness.

Indonesia is known for their love with spicy foods. So either my choice or not I must feel getting my ears hot, throat being heated and sniffing my nose from time to time because of the unbearable spiceness.

Anyhow, I still embrace the food that they serve and often ask for more and I wish I could learn to cook some of the dishes so I could bring the some of the recipe home in my country.

Now is the time to discover the happiest part of Indonesia. I am referring to Bogor. A place where almost all beautiful sites will be seen. There’s a place where there always rain, and we also stay to the peek of the mountain and allow ourselves be chilled for one night.