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| Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) Selected as a Member of the Indonesia-Australia Teacher Education Consortium (PGI-A) (Photo: Special) |
The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) was selected as a member of the Indonesia-Australia Teacher Education Consortium (PGI-A) in late August. UMM is one of ten universities in Indonesia whose proposals were deemed to meet the requirements. This reflects FKIP UMM's commitment and reputation as a leading Teacher Education Institution (LPTK) in developing the quality of teacher education both nationally and internationally.
The PGI-A Consortium is a strategic initiative emphasizing collaboration between educational institutions in Indonesia and Australia. The consortium's funding comes from the Indonesian Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP), independent funds from institutions in Indonesia and Australia, the Indonesian national budget (APBN), and various other potential resources. In this consortium, FKIP UMM will collaborate with five leading universities in Australia: Western Sydney University, the University of Adelaide, Deakin University, Central Queensland University, and the University of Newcastle.
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Regarding this achievement, FKIP UMM Dean Prof. Dr. Trisakti Handayani, MM, expressed gratitude, stating that this is an important step in contributing to the broader field of education. Primarily, it aims to improve the quality of teacher education in Indonesia and Australia. This collaboration will not only help develop LPTK's institutional capacity as a provider of the Professional Teacher Education (PPG) program, producing professional teacher candidates, but also strengthen the network between the two countries in efforts to improve the quality of education.
Trisakti added that there are five main activities to be implemented in this consortium. For example, initiating scholarship programs for master's and doctoral degrees for teachers, educational practitioners, and teacher education lecturers, especially in critical areas such as literacy, numeracy, special needs education, school leadership, and cross-discipline studies. Non-degree programs, including micro-credentials, visiting scholar opportunities, and practice-oriented post-doctoral programs, as well as the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) for undergraduate students, are also proposed.
Furthermore, the consortium will work on curriculum development and the establishment of a teacher education campus in Indonesia. This campus will serve as a center for the development of teachers, school principals, and educational staff, as well as a research center for education and postgraduate or professional education programs. "These five program initiatives, which will be implemented in short-term, medium-term, and long-term schemes, are expected to have a significant impact on the quality of education and broaden opportunities for educators in both countries," she added.
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Technically, the implementation of activities within this consortium will be divided into three main stages. First, the G20S meeting will be held to form the National Steering Committee (NSC), consisting of representatives from both countries along with coordinators from LPTK and teacher education institutions in Australia. Second, a consortium secretariat will be established to manage the administration and coordination of activities. Third, regular meetings will be held at least twice a year to monitor and evaluate program progress.
By the joining of FKIP UMM in the Indonesia-Australia Teacher Education Consortium (PGI-A), Trisakti hopes to see significant progress in the quality of teacher education in both countries. This initiative emphasizes a joint effort to advance education and create better opportunities for educators and future teachers. (*/wil/fajr)
