Online Meeting Between Sanata Dharma University and Xavier Learning Center: Strengthening Educational Collaboration
Yogyakarta, 6 August 2024 – An online meeting was held on 6 August 2024, between Sanata Dharma University (SDU) and Xavier Learning Center (XLC), as part of the ongoing collaboration between the two institutions. This meeting is a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2022. The participants of the meeting included Dr. Rev. Vinai Boonlue, SJ, Director of XLC; Caecilia Tutyandari, Ph.D., Vice Rector of International Affairs at SDU; Risang Baskara, Ph.D., Head of English Letters; Carla Prabandari, Ph.D., Head of English Education; Hardi Prasetyo, Ph.D., Head of English Studies; and Markus Budiraharjo, Ed.D., faculty member of English Education at SDU.
During the meeting, two main activities were agreed upon to further enhance the partnership between SDU and XLC:
1. Professional Teacher Development Program:
The first activity involves sending faculty members from XLC to participate in a one-week professional teacher development program at Sanata Dharma University. According to preliminary data collected by Markus Budiraharjo, Ed.D., who served as an on-site field researcher at XLC from July to August 2024, one of the significant challenges in English language teaching at XLC is the heavy reliance on the Grammar Translation Method (GTM). Integrated learning, especially those promoting higher-order thinking skills through Project-Based Learning (PBL), is still lacking. The professional teacher development program aims to provide an opportunity for XLC faculty members to learn and experiment with more relevant teaching methodologies.
2. Experiential Learning for XLC Students:
The second activity focuses on experiential learning for XLC students. They will stay in Yogyakarta for two months, engaging in immersion learning. During this period, they are expected to develop their English language skills and relevant life skills. This program will allow XLC students to experience a new cultural environment, enhancing their global awareness and intercultural competence.
Both institutions expressed their commitment to these initiatives, recognizing their potential to significantly improve the quality of education at XLC and provide valuable learning experiences for their students.
Dr. Rev. Vinai Boonlue, SJ, Director of XLC, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This partnership with Sanata Dharma University is a significant step towards improving our educational practices and providing our faculty and students with invaluable learning experiences.”
Caecilia Tutyandari, Ph.D., Vice Rector of International Affairs at SDU, also highlighted the importance of this collaboration, saying, “We are excited to work closely with XLC to enhance their teaching methodologies and offer their students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse cultural and educational environment.”
The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to finalize the details of the programs and begin preparations for their implementation. This collaboration marks a milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve educational standards and foster international cooperation between Sanata Dharma University and Xavier Learning Center.
(Report from XLC Chiang Rai – MB)
