BIPA Talk 3

Summary

In this insightful discussion, the importance of learning Bahasa Indonesia, especially for foreigners, is explored by Yohanes Susanto. He highlights Indonesia's growing influence in the global economy, its large population, and the need for a deep understanding of the country's history, culture, and language. The conversation also delves into teaching methods for Indonesian language learners, emphasizing the communicative approach, flexibility, and the need for teachers to be adaptable and mindful of students' backgrounds and learning styles. The session wraps up with tips for aspiring Bahasa Indonesia teachers, urging them to stay committed to continuous growth in the field.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of learning Indonesian for foreigners: It offers insights into Indonesia's growing global influence, with its large population, economic development, and geopolitical significance.
• 😀 Language teachers should understand the country's history, culture, and society to effectively teach the language, fostering a deeper connection with the subject matter.
• 😀 A flexible, communicative teaching approach is crucial. Teachers should adapt to the students' needs and contexts, rather than rigidly following a single method.
• 😀 Effective teaching requires not just language skills but emotional intelligence: managing stress, lowering egos, and building trust with students are key to creating a positive learning environment.
• 😀 Understanding the students' cultural backgrounds and respecting their personal preferences in learning (such as how they prefer corrections) enhances the learning process.
• 😀 The teacher's ego should be managed, especially when answering sensitive questions or addressing topics that might not have clear answers. Transparency and humility are important.
• 😀 Teachers should aim to create dynamic classrooms, using varied materials like songs, videos, and discussions to keep lessons interesting and relevant to the day’s objectives.
• 😀 Flexibility in classroom activities is essential. Teachers should be able to adapt methods and materials to keep students engaged while ensuring that learning goals are met.
• 😀 Feedback should be personalized based on the student's characteristics, such as their comfort with correction. Avoid overwhelming students with overcorrection, as it can hinder their learning confidence.
• 😀 To effectively assess students, teachers should use rubrics and clear standards. This ensures that both the teacher and students have clear expectations for performance and progress.

Q & A

Why is it important for foreigners to learn Indonesian according to Yohanes?

Yohanes emphasizes that learning Indonesian is essential because of Indonesia's large population, its growing economy, and the numerous business and military interests in the country. He believes that understanding the language helps foreigners engage more effectively with the culture and opportunities Indonesia offers.

What role does cultural understanding play in teaching Bahasa Indonesia?

Cultural understanding is critical in teaching Bahasa Indonesia. Yohanes argues that language instructors must also know Indonesia’s history, culture, and society to provide students with accurate and non-biased information, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for the country.

What teaching method does Yohanes prefer when teaching Bahasa Indonesia?

Yohanes prefers a flexible, communicative approach to teaching. He believes the method should focus on functional language use in real contexts rather than rigidly following a single teaching technique. Teachers should adapt based on the students' needs and context.

How does Yohanes handle preparation before teaching a class?

Before teaching, Yohanes stresses the importance of thorough preparation, including understanding the lesson plan and anticipating potential questions or challenges. He practices his lessons in advance to ensure smooth delivery, even if he doesn’t write everything down.

What is Yohanes' advice on managing ego when teaching Bahasa Indonesia?

Yohanes advises that teachers should manage their egos by being open to admitting when they don’t know something and by avoiding feeling superior. It's important to be transparent and collaborate with students in finding solutions to problems or questions that arise.

How does Yohanes suggest teachers should approach conflict management in the classroom?

Yohanes suggests that teachers should be understanding of the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of their students. By maintaining clear communication and setting appropriate boundaries, teachers can foster a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable and respected.

What does Yohanes think about the use of games and multimedia in language teaching?

Yohanes believes that games and multimedia, like videos or songs, can be effective tools for making lessons more engaging. However, he advises that they should always align with the learning objectives of the lesson, rather than just being used for entertainment.

What does Yohanes say about giving feedback to students during speaking practice?

Yohanes emphasizes the importance of providing constructive feedback without over-correcting students, as it can hinder their confidence. He suggests offering feedback based on the type of error, whether it’s a slip or a more significant misunderstanding, and allowing students to correct themselves when possible.

How should a teacher handle a situation where a student makes an error in their speech?

Yohanes advises teachers to handle errors delicately. For minor mistakes, he suggests letting students self-correct. For more serious errors, it’s important to explain the correct usage clearly, but avoid overwhelming the student with too much correction at once.

What is Yohanes' final advice to those interested in teaching Bahasa Indonesia?

Yohanes encourages aspiring Bahasa Indonesia teachers to appreciate the growing demand for Indonesian language education and the improvements in teaching standards. He hopes that future educators will be passionate about the language and its culture, continuing to contribute to its development globally.