Nurudin, initiator of student book writing. (Photo by PR of UMM) |
STUDY PROGRAMME (Prodi) Communication Science, University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) will soon release ten book titles. What is different from previous book writing projects, in 2020, it broke the record for publishing the most books, namely ten books. These ten books are the final project of the Media and Society course taught by Communication Science lecturer Nurudin, M.Si.
The story goes every time he starts a lecture, Nurudin always offers the students he teaches to do a writing project. Not merely publishing a book. This literacy tradition has been created since 2009. "Anyway, there must be a publication. Lectures run, grades are obtained, and campus publications also exist. Going home brings not only a diploma but also a book memento," explained Nurudin online.
In 2020, the lecturer, known as a writing provocateur, gave the option to write a book or just lecture. Four of his classes chose to write books, while the rest chose regular courses. "Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, those who choose ordinary lectures, I suggest that their UAS assignment is to write in the media. It can be print media, online, or the lightest writing on a blog," said the lecturer, who has published dozens of books.
Determining what final assignment to take is also done democratically. All students in class discuss it. Then they vote via Line or directly decide in class. "When choosing a book, of course, I have to fulfill their wishes. After all, it's something very new for them. It turns out they are enthusiastic and can write," said Nurudin, Monday (15/6) afternoon.
"It turns out that after they write and publish, they become addicted. Those who write books are eager to write more. Those who write for the media want to write again. At least I got this data from their comments when I asked how they felt after writing," said the former Head of the UMM Communication Science Study Programme, who recently re-published a book entitled "My Religion is Money."
The ten book titles that were published. (Photo: Istimewah) |
Publishing writing has its place for Nurudin. By writing and then publishing it, it has concrete results, namely, work. "If not for what, the most written manuscript is collected to the lecturer, finished. If you publish a book, there are benefits. Then after they register in the media, I ask them to mention my Twitter account and UMM Communication Study Programme. My job is to retweet it, "said Nurudin.
Since this literacy tradition was first rolled out in 2009, the number of books published has varied. "Not necessarily because I must poll first when I first enter the class. In 2019, there were ten book titles. It is the most achievement in terms of the number of titles. In 2020 there are nine book titles. Also, three classes of student articles. If the average per class is 50 people, there will be 50 publications in the media," said Nurudin.
In terms of the quality of the writing, Nurudin is not so concerned about it. He always appreciates every student who dares to start work in any form. "I think the writing is good. Of course, with their abilities as students. Of course, I can't use my benchmark. The products of students and lecturers are works. Writing a book is one of them," said Nurudin.
According to him, the best work was published in 2009. "It was tough to start at that time. I left it to the students to publish. It didn't work. I had to take a bus to Yogyakarta to find a publisher. After it was published, it was finally launched. The media widely covered the launch. After that, motivating students to write books was easier because there were already examples," he continued.
Furthermore, motivating students to write will continue. "Maybe this is what I can do. At least maximize my ability because I have writing skills. It is time for me to provide an atmosphere of writing in my workplace. Books are not the only option. But the academic community is required to have work. Books are only one option," he said. (cdr/can)