Last August, during the long even-semester break, lecturers at the Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) were encouraged to attend language classes. In addition to supporting UMSU's intensive internationalization program, the lecturers needed to refresh their foreign language skills.
Although lecturers had been researching literature in reputable international journals in English, their daily practice could still be awkward and difficult.
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English Course for Faculty of Law Lecturers
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Filled with Games and Speaking Practice
The lesson began with tutors consisting of English Language Education lecturers at UMSU as well, some of whom we knew each other beforehand, asking us to introduce ourselves in English.
The game was then held. Miss Rizka, the tutor, called each of us by name, and we each came forward to speak for five minutes on a topic of our choosing, each stating a number. The topic of the discussion was displayed behind the number.
For example, a colleague chose 7 as their favorite number, and the topic behind it turned out to be a hobby they often indulge in on the weekends. Then another friend chose 2, and the topic behind it was their favorite pet. This continued until all 15 participants, approximately, had their turn to speak on a topic in front of the class.
I personally chose number 8, and the topic that came up was about my favorite books I've ever read. I answered that my favorite books were "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by legendary author Stephen R. Covey and "How to Influence Friends" by Dale Carnegie.
As for books by national authors, I'd like to read books like "Self Driving," "Shifting," "#MO (Mobilisasi dan Orkrestrasi)," "Disruption," "Change," and "Strawberry Generation" by Prof. Rhenald Kasali, Ph.D., a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia.
Held Up to Ten Times
The language classes for these lecturers aren't like English courses, where the focus is on learning language rules or grammar. Lecturers are assumed to already be at a level where they understand all of this. All they need to do is practice as often as possible. Doesn't practice make perfect?
The tutors took turns facilitating and motivating us to become more confident in speaking in English. While lecturers were more accustomed to using English for paper presentations at international conferences, this time we were encouraged to use it in interactions with each other.
Our pronunciation was also corrected by the tutor, because it is not uncommon for foreign friends to not understand Indonesian words and sentences if the way they pronounce the words is not similar to how native English or American people speak.
The course was held twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday, in Room 102, 1st Floor, Faculty of Law Building, UMSU, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM WIB. Thankfully, the lecturers were enthusiastic and attended to the end. I myself was able to complete all 10 sessions by attending consistently, never missing a session. Alhamdulillah.
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| At the closing session of the lecturer, only this number of course participants remained / Pusba's documentation |
What Do I Get from the English Course for Lecturers?
I feel like I've gained so much from taking this language course. There's no learning activity that doesn't benefit learners. Some of the benefits I've gained include:
- I'm more confident speaking spontaneously in English, rather than having to think about it like I did before the course.
- I've become interested in English newspaper articles like The Jakarta Post again.
- I'm listening to English dialogue from podcasts on YouTube more often.
- I'm gradually understanding the lyrics of English songs when they're playing.
- I've started watching English-language films on Netflix without subtitles and Korean dramas with English subtitles.
Conclusion
The English course for Faculty of Law lecturers is very beneficial for improving lecturers' skills, making them more fluent and flexible in English. Especially now that UMSU is accepting international student exchanges, it's crucial for lecturers to be proficient in English.
Keep up the enthusiasm and practice of speaking English!
Recap video from first meeting until the last / Pusba's documentation
This is such a meaningful initiative! Providing English courses for lecturers in the Faculty of Law will not only improve their communication and academic writing skills but also open more opportunities for international collaboration. I really appreciate how this program supports professional growth and enhances the quality of higher education. Great work!
BalasHapusWow, I am so miss be practiced English again in this era with my friends. This program is very good and we can speak English well if always talk to our friend when meeting.
BalasHapus