Junior High Schools In Semarang Research Articles

Development of Mathematics Teaching Materials for Junior High School Students Based on Minimum Competency

The purpose of this study is to produce mathematics teaching materials for Junior High School students based on Minimum Competence Assessment and as needed by the students. This type of research is developmental research. The instrument used is the questionnaire sheet on the practicality of the teaching material and the questionnaires of satisfaction partners through Google Forms. Based on the research, it was found that the teaching material was well received and supported by the validation results of six mathematics teachers at junior high schools in Semarang. The results show that the learning tool is very useful for contextual learning. Keywords: minimum competence assessment, mathematics learning, teaching materials, contextual, local wisdom

Implementation of Quality Assurance in Smp With School Committees and Participatory Management: A Case Study in Junior High Schools in Indonesia

Purpose: This study aims to determine the influence of school committee, principal leadership, organizational culture, and teacher participation in the implementation of quality assurance in junior high schools. Theoretical framework: Providing educational services that improve student learning outcomes requires ensuring the quality of education in junior high schools. Furthermore, quality assurance equalizes opportunities across the country, protects customers, and plays an important role for students, parents, teachers, and education staff. Current conditions indicate that Quality assurance in junior high schools is currently rated unsatisfactory, with indications that only 46.7% of junior high schools have been accredited to excel, while the remaining 53.3% require improvement. Design/methodology/approach: This research is quantitative research using the Explanatory Survey Method. The population in this study was principals in Junior High Schools throughout two cities and four regencies The sampling technique used in this study is probability sampling technique, using proportionate random sampling. Determination of the number of samples used in this study using the Krejcie table. This study collected 211 data from the principals of various junior high schools in Semarang and surrounding areas using a Likert scale questionnaire. The data analysis technique used is path analysis. Research practical and social implications: The results of the study revealed that the principal's leadership role, organizational culture, and teacher participation had an effect on the implementation of quality assurance in junior high schools, while the school committee had no major effect on school quality assurance. Principals play an important role in increasing teacher participation and creating a positive organizational culture.

Student Academic Fraud during Maths Exams During the Covid-19 Pandemic Based on GONE Theory Dimensions

<p>This study aims to describe students' academic fraud during math exams during the Covid-19 pandemic based on the missing theory dimension regarding students' academic abilities. This research was conducted in class IX, a junior high school in Semarang. Six subjects were selected purposively, with high, moderate, and low academic ability, two students each. Data collection uses test scores, academic fraud scales, and interviews. The technique of checking the validity of the data is through triangulation of sources and methods. This study shows that students with high, moderate, and low academic abilities commit academic fraud when taking the same exam but with different intensities. The background of the fraud is greed, opportunity, need, and exposure. The form of fraud is copying answers on the internet or collaborating with other friends while doing exams. Students do this because of the effects of online learning and the lack of supervision from the teacher during the exam.</p>

The effectivity of problem-based learning assisted by snakes and ladders games on students divergent thinking ability

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of problem-based learning assisted by the game of snakes and ladders on students' divergent thinking skills. The type of research is quasi-experimental, and it was conducted at a public junior high school in Semarang for the 2022/2023 academic year. The sampling technique in this study used purposive sampling, the population in this study was the entire class VIII, and the sample in the study was class VIII F as the experiment class (KF) and class VIII E as the control class (KE). The instrument used was a test result of student learning with five description questions, the hypothesis test used is one sample t-test, independent t-test, and z-test with sig 0.05. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the experimental class learning outcomes were higher than the control class learning outcomes. One sample t-test obtained that t count = 6.045 while t table = 0.683, so that t count > t table, it can be said that KF capability average exceeds 70, independent t-test obtained sig < 0.05 which is 0.001. The average of students with learning model problem-based learning with the help of snakes and ladders game on divergent thinking ability more than the average divergent thinking ability of mathematics. It can be said that 75% of students in the experimental class completed it classically. Learning with problem-based learning assisted by snake and ladder games on the students' divergent thinking skills was effective for the mathematics learning outcomes of class VIII students.

Technology devices: Can it enhance pre-service teachers' teaching?

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in schools being closed around the world. Globally, most children are outside the classroom. As a result, education has changed dramatically, with the advent of typical e-learning, where teaching is done remotely and on digital platforms. These conditions are very demanding on information skills, media, and technology as a solution to these problems. All school activities had been shifted to an online delivery mode, which causes the implementation of teaching practices to be carried out online. This transfer forces pre-service teachers to have different teaching practice experiences. Technological devices are the facilities they use to support online learning. This study aims to describe the implementation and perceptions of pre-service teachers on their teaching practice experiences during the pandemic. Class observations are made on the implementation of English pre-service teachers’ teaching by implementing technological devices in three public junior high schools in Semarang. To evaluate how the teaching and learning process in applying technological devices, the Technological Integrated Matrix (TIM) by Florida Center for Instructional Technology is used as a framework for analyzing the data. TIM provides a framework for describing and targeting the use of technology to enhance learning. Questionnaires and interviews are also administered to obtain information about the pre-service teachers' perceptions of online learning during the pandemic era. Therefore, despite the limitations of its implementation, teaching practice programs tend to form a positive mindset and teaching attitude for pre-service teachers.

"If it's really excessive, it can enter your heart": A Mixed Methods Investigation of Bullying Among Early Adolescents in Semarang, Indonesia.

Bullying is a major public health concern for Indonesian adolescents, with well-documented links to a range of emotional and behavioral problems. Despite such evidence, few investigations have employed qualitative methods to illuminate youth's own perceptions of bullying and its psychosocial correlates in this context. The current study aimed to address this gap through an exploration of Indonesian adolescents' motivations, perceptions, and beliefs regarding bullying. Building on prior quantitative findings, an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was used to better understand the myriad ways in which bullying ties into other psychosocial challenges. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a total of 45 adolescents ages 13 to 14 (25 girls and 20 boys) in two junior high schools in Semarang between October and December 2019. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English for analysis. Qualitative data were then coded using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Interviews yielded contextual insights into adolescents' definitions of bullying including the distinction between "normal" and "serious" bullying; related risk behaviors; key drivers; social and emotional consequences; and coping strategies. Across these thematic categories, a number of noteworthy gender differences emerged, highlighting the role that underlying gender norms can play in driving bullying involvement. Further, findings emphasize the need to develop a locally valid definition of bullying which takes into account the ways in which emotional distress may be both a criterion and a consequence of bullying. Findings can be used to inform bullying prevention programs targeting Indonesian youth.

Online Formative Assessments in English Teaching and Learning

Some changes occur in the assessment process in the English teaching and learning process during the pandemic Covid-19. The integration of technology in the assessment process becomes a crucial need for the English teachers to run the online or blended English teaching. For that reason, this present study presents the the current implementation of online formative assessment in private and public junior high school in Semarang and the challenges that the English teachers face during the implementation. In this study, the writers carried out descriptive qualitative research design in which it used observation and an interview as the instruments. Two English teachers were involved in this study. The findings show that the implementation of online formative assessment runs well in both private and public junior high school. It is proved by the use of some online formative assessment tools during English teaching and learning such as Quizizz, Google Form, Socrative, Kahoot!, and Microsoft Teams routinely. On the other hand, during the implementation of online formative assessment, the English teachers also face some problems; students’ academic dishonesty and teachers’ poor computer skills. Finally, it is suggested that the English teachers need to improve their computer and digital literacy for supporting the implementation of online formative assessments during the online and blended English teaching.

ONLINE ASSESSMENT IN ENGLISH CLASSROOM: EFL TEACHERS’ PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES

The outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic makes many changes in the educational system. One of the changes is in the process of assessment that is conducted by the teachers. Online assessment becomes the demand for teaching and learning process. In EFL teaching context, the English teachers are also demanded to present an online assessment that meets the students’ needs. The practice of online assessment needs to be investigated to capture whether it runs well or not. In line with this case, this present study describes online assessment practices as well as the challenges faced by the EFL teachers. By conducting descriptive qualitative research, the writers observed the practices of online assessment in English teaching in a junior high school in Semarang. There are three English teachers participated in this study. To obtain the data, the writers used observation and semi-structured interview as the instruments of data collection. After the data was collected, it was analyzed and interpreted descriptively. The findings show that English teachers implemented some online assessment tools such as Google Classroom, What’s App, Google Form, and Zoom in online assessment practices during the English teaching and learning. During the implementation of online assessment, the EFL teachers found some challenges such as internet connection, the different level of students’ intelligence, students’ low motivation, and EFL teachers’ lack of computer skills. The findings of this study imply that online assessment practices need to be evaluated to have a better implementation. Further, the EFL teachers’ computer skills need to be improved to realize an exemplary practices of online assessment in English teaching and learning.

PROFIL PEMAHAMAN KONSEP MATEMATIKA BENTUK ALJABAR PADA SISWA DENGAN GAYA BELAJAR KOGNITIF FIELD INDEPENDENT

Mathematical understanding is the process of placing knowledge that is being studied and then relating it to the knowledge that students already have. This study aims to determine the profile of understanding the mathematical concept of algebra in terms of field independent cognitive style. This is a descriptive qualitative research. The subjects taken were seventh grade students at a State Junior High School in Semarang in the 2nd semester of the 2020/2021 academic year who had a field independent cognitive style. Data collection was carried out by GEFT test, mathematical concept understanding test, and interviews. The data analysis technique was carried out in 3 stages, namely data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing, then a triangulation method was carried out. The results of the analysis shows that the fulfillment of all indicators of understanding mathematical concepts to the maximum is indicated by students being able to answer all questions that contain indicators of understanding mathematical concepts. Subjects with field independent cognitive style have a good ability to understand the concept of algebraic forms.

Learning dilation through Lawang Sewu context

Geometry understanding is a significant aspect of studying geometric transformation. Besides, geometry is the basis for most mathematical and other topics. However, geometry is nonetheless a challenging material for students, particularly the dilations of geometric transformation. This case may be due to a lack of activity requiring students to relate geometrical principles to their environment. Therefore, this study aims to establish a learning trajectory using the Lawang Sewu historical building as the context to help students understand the idea of dilation. The learning approach used in this study was Realistic Mathematics Education, named PMRI in the Indonesian edition. The subject of the study is the ninth-grade students at one of the junior high school in Semarang, involving six students who were selected as diverse students. The methodology applied consists of three stages of design research: preliminary design, design experiment, and retrospective analysis. Additionally, this study reveals only the findings of the design experiment and the pilot experiment in particular. Students’ learning activities involve three activities, such as identifying the elements of Lawang Sewu that represent dilations through interactive video, determining the result of dilations and scale factor, and solving problems of dilations. Studies have shown that using the Lawang Sewu historical building context could assist students in improving their comprehending of the dilation concept. Furthermore, this study could be an inspiration to explore another local wisdom that can be a context in learning mathematical concept.

Online backchannel as a formative assessment in improving writing skills

Technology integration in language assessment has been regarded as a common strategy in an educational setting. However, teachers need to adjust the perception and cogency of assessment in an online setting as well as the concept of formative assessment in online environments. This research aimed to investigate the students' perception of online backchannel implementation as a formative assessment in improving the students' writing skills in an English classroom. For this purpose, a mixed-method was applied with a closed-ended questionnaire distributed to 32 students and semi-structured interviews carried out to 24 students at the eighth-grade students of a state junior high school in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. The collected data were then analyzed quantitatively using SPSS 23 and qualitatively. The findings revealed positive perceptions of online backchannel implementation as a formative assessment in improving their writing skills. They considered it a new and innovative process of an assessment that helped them get the maximum result of writing. Furthermore, students' motivation and confidence in writing were raised. This study's implication calls for the implementation of online backchannel in English class as a formative assessment during the writing process.

Washback of the performance-based test of reading for EFL learners

The effect of tests on the teaching and learning, generally known as washback, has been recognized by scholars for a long time. However, studies on washback are usually addressed for high-stakes testing. This study investigates the washback effect of low-stakes test namely performance-based test used in measuring reading skills. Such a test is low stakes because it does not bring about serious consequence on the part of the students. The subjects of the research were 10 English teachers and 50 students of junior high schools in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. Data were collected through semi-structured interview and a questionnaire for both the teachers and students. The results showed that performance-based test gives positive effect in reading for the EFL learners in the areas of: students� enthusiasm in reading, reducing boredom in reading, students� curiosity on reading text content, and students� improvement on higher-order thinking skills. To the teachers it affects the areas of teaching methods, teaching materials, and time allotment.

English teachers’ methods in teaching reading comprehension of procedure text

This study focuses on English teachers’ methods in teaching reading comprehension of procedure text. The main purpose of this study is to describe the methods used by English teachers and reveal the strengths and weaknesses of those methods used for teaching reading comprehension of procedure texts. The research was a qualitative case study. The participants of this research were two English teachers at one of junior high schools in Semarang in the academic year of 2019/2020. In collecting data, several data collection instruments were used, including: interview, observation guideline and document analysis checklist. The findings showed that English teachers planned the teaching materials and strategies in advance. They also used various methods in teaching reading of procedure text. Both teachers almost used the same methods which were audio-visual method, scaffolding, grammar-translation method, and project-based learning. The difference was in the step of the strategy implementation. In addition, the findings showed that the most appropriate method in teaching reading comprehension was grammar-translation method since it helped students comprehend the procedure text. There were several students who still had a hard time following the lessons. Teachers are supposed to make sure that all students have understood the whole text or not and they should observe the students’ situation and needs so that the teaching and learning is contextual.

Strengthening Students' Critical Knowledge of Controversial Issues in Social Studies Classroom

Social studies learning in junior high schools are still predominantly carried out in conventional ways. Discussion of knowledge that leads to the development of students' critical knowledge is difficult. This research aims to analyze the process of strengthening students' critical knowledge of controversial issues in the social studies classroom. This research was conducted using qualitative methods with a descriptive design. This study involved nine social studies teachers at junior high schools in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. Data were collected using interviews and observation techniques. Then, the data were checked by the source triangulation technique. The data analysis is a qualitative data analysis model with the Creswell framework. The results of this research are: (i) students' critical knowledge of controversial issues is strengthened through interactive discussions; (ii) problem-based learning model is very relevant for strengthening students' critical knowledge about controversial issues; (iii) teacher instructions that encourage students to work independently, extracting comprehensive information, and the content of the material in debatable discussions make controversy issues very attractive to students. This research concludes that the learning of controversial issues is highly contextual by strengthening students' critical knowledge.

Effects of low glycemic index diet on insulin resistance among obese adolescent with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Obesity is strongly correlated with insulin resistance (IR) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Some studies suggest that dietary intake with low glycemic index (GI) may prevent IR and reduce the incidences of NAFLD. This study was aimed to determine the effects of low GI diet on IR among obese adolescents with NAFLD.
 METHODS This study was a randomized controlled trial conducted in two JuniorHigh Schools in Semarang, Indonesia. The subjects were 12–14 years obese students with NAFLD, which divided into intervention and control groups according to schools using block random allocation. The intervention group received nutrition education and lunch diet (low energy, low GI, and low fat); meanwhile, the control group only received nutrition education for 12 weeks. The biochemical evaluation included fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin levels. IR was assessed using homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).
 RESULTS Thirty-two subjects were enrolled in this study, 16 of which were assigned to the intervention group and the other to the control group. After 12 weeks, the energy and carbohydrate intake reduced in the intervention group (p < 0.05), FBG remained unchanged, and HOMA-IR increased (4.9 [3.7]–7.2 [3.5]) compared to the control group (6.4 [4.9]–5.5 [2.8]) (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, within the control group, there were no significant differences in the energy and carbohydrate intake as well as biochemical variables.
 CONCLUSIONS Low GI modification diet alone may not reduce IR in the obeseadolescents with NAFLD.

Designing a Midterm Reading Test for Junior High School Students in Semarang: A Practical Experience of a Master Student in TESOL

Designing a test is an uneasy task. It is proven by the fact that many teachers find difficulties in designing a good test. The present article attempts to review the English school exam in Indonesia and present an example of the test design of a midterm reading test for junior high school students in Semarang. To this end, firstly, a sample of test script of the school exam for JHS students in Semarang in the academic year 2017/2018 was reviewed. The review of the test shows that creating a good quality of test items still become a concern for English teachers as they made some grammatical errors. Consecutively, a midterm reading test was also designed and administered in a junior high school in Semarang, Central Java. Then, the test designed was evaluated by considering the validity, reliability, and practicality as suggested by (Brown Abeywickrama, 2010). The administration of the test and evaluation show some weaknesses; therefore, the suggestions for the betterment of the test design are also made, such as revising some test items with a very low facility index and negative discrimination index. This study implicates pedagogically the teachers to train students on how to summarize and paraphrase since these skills underrepresented.

Coaching Program to Develop Teachers’ Pedagogical Competence: a Description of Experience

The educational practices of Indonesian schools today are executed under the 2013 Curriculum. Although it has been implemented 5 years, problems of its realization are still found. It is partly due to insufficient knowledge and skills of teachers in terms of planning, implementing, assessing and evaluating a sequence learning processes. Coaching is one of professional development programs which may enhance teachers’ skill and will. It emphasizes on good relationship between the coach and the coachee so that they can work as coworkers so that it makes the coachee feel at ease to consult the problems of learning. This paper shares some experiences of a coaching program to develop 7 teachers’ pedagogical competence of 5 Islamic Junior High Schools in Semarang. The implementation covers assessing needs, developing materials, designing assessment, presenting materials, implementing the materials, and making reflection.

The Needs of Character Education Based on Fairy-tale Textbook Development for Junior High Students in Semarang Regency

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The influence of inquiry learning model on additives theme with ethnoscience content to cultural awareness of students

The purpose of this research is to determine the influence of inquiry learning model on additives theme with ethnoscience content to cultural awareness of students and how the students’ responses to learning. The method applied in this research is a quasi-experimental with non-equivalent control group design. The sampling technique applied in this research is the technique of random sampling. The samples were eight grade students of one of junior high schools in Semarang. The results of this research were (1) thestudents’ cultural awareness of the experiment class is better than the control class (2) inquiry learning model with ethnoscience content strongly influencing the cultural awareness of students by 78% and (3) students gave positive responses to inquiry learning model with ethnoscience content. The conclusions of this research are inquiry-learning model with ethnoscience content has positive influence on students’ cultural awareness.

MODEL PENGEMBANGAN KURIKULUM PAI SMP DI KOTA SEMARANG

A research based article “The model of PAI curriculum development at Junior high school in Semarang” is intended to see how far the development of PAI curriculum at Junior High School in Semarang. The main problem in this research is: how is the development of PAI curriculum at Junior high school in Semarang. The techniques of collecting data applied in this research are (1) observation to collect data of PAI curriculum development application at NASIMA Junior High School and Sultan Agung Islamic Junior High School I; (2) An interview to get a clear, comprehensive and indepth information about PAI curriculum policy and it’s implementation at Nasima and Sultan Agung Islamic Junior High School I; (3) documentation, is for collecting a history documentation, to formulate a curriculum. Descriptive-interpretative is used to analyze collected data.The reseach result shows that Nasima Junior High School and Sultan Agung Junior High School – Semarang have innovative and strategic steps in developing a curriculum. The curriculum is interpretated based on the needs of school and society through a religion and Islamic school culture activity.