Banda Aceh, March 30, 2024 – The Physics Study Program at Syiah Kuala University (PSF USK) held a workshop on the Case Method based on the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum. The event was opened by the Head of the Physics Department, Dr. Saumi Syahreza, S.Si., M.Si, and attended by 40 faculty members from PSF USK.
Dewi Andayani, M.Pd, from the USK Quality Assurance Agency (LPM) served as a speaker at this workshop. According to the chair of the organizing committee, Irhamni, M.Si, this event was previously planned by the Physics Program to introduce faculty members to the procedures for designing or conducting classroom instruction using the case method, which aligns with the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) under KPI-7.
The Case Method is a discussion-based, participatory learning method for solving cases or problems. The application of this method will help students hone their critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity skills.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Saumi stated that the workshop is expected to improve lecturers’ classroom teaching methods. Through the case method, lecturers are expected to create a learning environment that is both enjoyable and challenging and fosters students’ creativity and analytical skills.
Problem-solving skills are essential soft skills in the professional world. These skills can be developed by encouraging students to solve case studies as part of their learning. Students will be trained to identify the root causes of problems, explain the “why” behind a phenomenon, think critically, and explore various possible approaches to find the best solution.
According to him, the Case Method and Team-Based Projects are now mandatory components of the Semester Learning Plan (SLP) developmentat Syiah Kuala University (USK). Therefore, this workshop aligns with the development of an OBE-based curriculum guidebook, which is mandatory for all study programs at USK; practically, this curriculum will be implemented in June 2024. In fact, several years ago, some study programs at USK had already implemented an OBE-based curriculum, though it was not yet mandatory for all programs.
“Through this activity, it is hoped that faculty members can develop course syllabi and teaching modules based on the case method for several courses that have been mandated in the curriculum. This is important because learning through the case method trains students to integrate knowledge, skills, and experience in problem-solving,” said the Head of the Physics Department, Dr. Saumi Syahreza, S.Si., M.Si.