Stepping into the World of Education and Observing Teaching and Learning Activities at SD Negeri 2 Gombong

The world of education is an important stage for a teacher. Teachers play a very meaningful role in shaping the future of the younger generation and encouraging their growth. There are 8 things that need to be prepared in order to observe and step into the world of education, especially as a teacher, as follows.
First, education and qualifications appropriate to the place where we teach; second, research and preparation of materials in order to plan structured learning; third, effective communication skills so that one can explain concepts clearly and in an easily understood way. Fourth, classroom management to maintain discipline and create a conducive learning environment; fifth, creativity in teaching, for example by using teaching methods that attract students' attention and are easy to understand, 
Sixth, understanding of each student, since every student certainly has different needs and learning styles; seventh, interaction with parents, namely good communication with parents to monitor each student's development; and finally patience, since the teaching and learning process requires a great deal of patience, because teachers will shape the students' future. 
From 17 July 2023 to 17 August 2023, a learning observation of teaching activities was carried out at SD Negeri 2 Gombong as part of an internship. The observation aimed to describe and find out how learning activities are carried out at this school, and also to see what efforts the school makes to improve the quality of learning and to look after the school's surrounding environment.
 The observation was carried out for 1 month in grades 1-6. Several things were observed during the month, including the activities of teachers and students, the learning materials delivered, interaction between teachers and students, interaction among teachers, and the use of technology to support learning activities. The results of the observation are as follows.
First, positive interaction: it was seen that the teachers have positive and inclusive interactions with students as well as with fellow teachers. They use a variety of approaches to ensure that every student is engaged in learning. In addition, the teachers here do not only act as teachers but also as friends to all students, considering that it is no longer the era when teachers taught by putting heavy pressure on students.
 A good teacher is one who positions himself or herself not only as an instructor but also as a friend to the students. A friend who is, so to speak, always there when the students cry out. Each student certainly has a different personality and different problems. From there the teacher begins to befriend the students, so that the teacher can understand the students' different personalities and listen to them and offer solutions to the problems they face. It is not easy for us to understand every personality and problem in front of a student, but it is in this way that the emotional bond between teacher and student becomes stronger. 
Every student very much hopes that their teacher can appreciate all the efforts they make during the teaching and learning process at school. They need attention, encouragement, and affection from their teacher. Therefore, students need a teacher who does not merely teach but can also be a friend who is always there when they need one. Based on this, a very close relationship has begun to form between students and teachers at this school, although this does not diminish in the least the respect students have for their teacher.
Second, learning materials and ways of teaching: the materials delivered follow the curriculum and integrate environmental conservation values. For example, in science lessons the teacher discusses the importance of preserving nature. In addition, because every child has a different learning style, the teachers here have tried to adjust their methods of delivering material to each child's needs and interests, so there are 7 learning methods that have been applied at the school, as follows.
The first method is the use of simple, easily understood language, using language appropriate to the children's level of understanding so that they can grasp it easily. The second method is connecting to everyday life, meaning linking the learning material with examples from everyday life so that children can understand it easily. The third method is creativity, trying creative approaches such as singing a short song related to the material, or making a simple project involving the learning concepts. 
The fourth method is interactive activities, using games or activities that involve children actively, such as board games or role-play. The fifth method is variety of activities, using many different types of activities so that children do not feel bored and stay enthusiastic about learning, for example group learning and learning outside the classroom. The sixth method is repetition, repeating material periodically to strengthen children's understanding. The seventh method is giving praise and encouragement: praise children when they succeed in understanding and answering questions correctly, and encourage them to keep learning.
Third, use of technology: in the teaching and learning process, teachers have begun to use technology such as projectors to display learning materials, illustrating how technology is used to reduce paper use in learning. However, the use of projectors is still limited; a projector is available for only one class, namely grade 6. This is because grade 6 students will later continue to a higher level of education, so they need to be introduced to technology that supports learning first.
Fourth, waste reduction: it was seen that there is a waste reduction programme at this school, including the use of reusable drinking bottles and reduced use of single-use plastic. One programme carried out at this school is "JAWADAH", which stands for "jajan membawa wadah" (buying snacks while bringing a container). Every student is required to bring a plastic bowl and cup from their own home to be kept at school and used when they buy snacks, with the aim of reducing the amount of waste in the school environment.
This observation illustrates the commitment of SD Negeri 2 Gombong to carrying out teaching and learning activities that put environmental values first, through positive interaction, the use of technology, the use of local resources and waste reduction. The school has made good efforts to improve the quality of learning, creating a learning environment that is inclusive and responsible towards the surrounding environment.