Collaborating with the Center for Indigenous and Cultural Psychology (CICP), the Center for Life-Span Development (CLSD) organized an international summer course program titled International Summer Course on Cultural Dynamics and Life-Span Development: Research Approaches and Practical Interventions. This summer course focuses on helping students gain an understanding of the role culture plays in life-span development as well as offering valuable insights into current research methodologies and approaches relevant to cultural and lifespan development. 

For this event, nine international speakers and five national speakers with various backgrounds and fields of expertise from various parts of the world, such as Denmark, Italy, Australia, Malaysia, and the United States are invited. This course is attended by 47 students, 43 from Indonesia and 4 from various countries such as Denmark, Germany, Nepal, and Australia. 

The second module, titled Methods for Contextual Life-Span Development: Research and Intervention dives into the methodologies used to research human development. Throughout the module, the students will explore various aspects of human development research, which includes the integration of cultural diversity and the usage of photovoice techniques. The second module is constructed to fulfill Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Quality Education (4).

The fifth session was held on Wednesday, 25 September 2024, titled Contextual action research in developmental psychology using Photovoice by Dr. Elga Andriana, one of the lecturers in the Faculty of Psychology of Gadjah Mada University. This is also the first session of the second module. The session starts with Dr. Andriana sending out a link for the students to upload a picture as well as writing a short description of the picture. Dr. Andriana then began explaining photovoice in general, which include defining what it is, the procedure of doing it, as well as the methods used to discuss the photos and the analysis process. After that, Dr. Andriana invites the students to give comments on a few photovoice findings from various projects revolving around photovoice. The session ends with a reflection and a Q & A session.

The sixth session was held on Thursday, 26 September 2024, titled Ethical practice in integrating life-span development research and intervention by Dr. Andrian Liem from Monash University Malaysia. The session starts with Dr. Liem emphasizing the importance of ethics in life-span development research and intervention. He then explains the four core ethical principles in psychology, such as having dignity, justice, fidelity, and beneficence, in which he also mentions various unethical psychological experiments throughout history as examples. The session continues with Dr. Liem explains the ethical guidelines, considerations, and decision-making  to life-span development research. The session also has a Q & A session in the end. The end of Dr. Liem’s session also marks the end of the second module of the International Summer Course. [MWK]

For a period of two months, the Center for Life-Span Development (CLSD) collaborated with the Center for Indigenous and Cultural Psychology (CICP) to organize a summer course event titled International Summer Course on Cultural Dynamics and Life-Span Development: Research Approaches and Practical Interventions. Collaborating with a panel of experts from Indonesia and around the world, this summer course focuses on helping students gain an understanding of the role culture plays in life-span development as well as offering valuable insights into current research methodologies and approaches relevant to cultural and lifespan development. 

We invited nine international speakers and five national speakers with various backgrounds and fields of expertise from various parts of the world, such as Denmark, Italy, Australia, Malaysia, and the United States. This course is attended by 47 students, 43 from Indonesia and 4 from various countries such as Denmark, Germany, Nepal, and Australia. 

The course is divided into 3 modules. The first module, titled Understanding Culture and Life-Span Development: Concept and Current Perspectives focuses on the paradigm of culture and how its context is correlated with today’s global conditions. It also focuses on the influence of the global north-global south paradigm, digital interactions as well as the climate crises on life-span development. The first module is constructed to fulfill Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Good Health and Well-Being (3), Quality Education (4) and Reduced Inequalities (10).

The first session of the first module was held with both an online and offline session on Tuesday, 17 September 2024. The event was carried by the Master of Ceremony of the session, Christine Rachel Margaretha and opened by Rahmat Hidayat, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph.D., who is the dean of the Faculty of Psychology. The session begins with an introductory video on the profiles of CLSD and CICP, followed by the main event, a lecture carried out by Prof. Jaan Valsiner from Aalborg University, Denmark and Prof. Giuseppina Marsico from the University of Salerno, Italy on the topic of Redefining Culture in current context. Prof. Valsiner starts with debunking the 4 gaps of existing thinking in psychological science. After explaining the gaps, he then explains the new aspects of a “new general psychology”. He then emphasizes that researchers often use a two-dimensional method to explore the human mind, in which he uses a new method, shaped after a kleinian geometry to illustrate it. The rest of the material is then explained by Prof. Marsico, in which she explains the cultural psychology of the bordering process. The session ended with a Q & A session. 

The second session was conducted with both an online and offline session the next day, with the speakers still the same but with a different topic; (Global North–Global South) culture interactions and how it shapes life-span development. Prof. Valsiner starts this session by arguing that psychology in general needs more data. He then began explaining the important features of the methodology cycle. Examples include basic assumptions, or meta-codes, which are used to build theories, such as the assimilation theory and the proculturation theory. He also tells the students that research needs more “doubt”, which is done to reduce enforced fixed opinions. Prof. Marsico continues the lecture by explaining the Global North-Global South culture interactions and why it is important. The session ends with Prof. Valsiner & Prof. Marsico explaining their project proposal called “The Global South Network of Cultural Psychology”.

The third session was conducted on Thursday, 19 September 2024 with the topic Polyculturalism in understanding lifespan development in current society by Prof. Emiko Kashima from La Trobe University, Australia. The session started with Prof. Kashima explains Lay cultural theory and diversity ideologies, such as polyculturalism. After that, she starts to dissect the exact meaning of culture, specifically focusing on how cultural influences are “selected” through different cultural traditions. Prof. Kashima also elaborates on the topic of multiculturalism, specifically its benefits, differences, limitations, etc. The session continues with Prof. Kashima explaining cultural identity. The session ends with Prof. Kashima showing the correlation between polyculturalism and cultural identity. 

The final session of this module was held on Friday, 20 September 2024 with the topic A critique of life course intervention by Prof. Peter van Eeuwijk from the University of Basel, Switzerland. He starts the session by critiquing the definitions of lifespan and intervention. He also critiques the World Health Organization’s conventional life course model. Prof. Eeuwijk also mentions his experience using longitudinal and transversal research methodologies. During the session, Prof. Eeuwijk asks the students what is the most important factor on life quality. He ends the session by explaining about vulnerability, resiliency, and agency by using case studies. The end of Prof. Eeuwijk’s session also marks the end of the first module of the International Summer Course. [MWK]

In 2024, the Center for Life-Span Development (CLSD) collaborated with the Center for Indigenous and Cultural Psychology (CICP) of the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, to organize a summer course event titled “International Summer Course on Cultural Dynamics and Life-Span Development: Research Approaches and Practical Interventions”.

This marks the second time CLSD has organized a summer course, with the first being held in 2021. 

This summer course serves as a channel to discuss the contemporary issues regarding cultural dynamics and life-span development in which the students will look at the current research and interventions through panel presentations conducted by experts. This course aims to deepen students’ understanding of the role culture plays in life-span development as well as offering valuable insights into current research methodologies and approaches relevant to cultural and lifespan development, which is connected to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Quality Education (4) and Reduced Inequalities (10). This course utilizes several different learning methods for the students, such as online lectures, independent study, and modular discussions. All of the courses are conducted in English and closed captioning is provided.

For this course, we invited nine international speakers and five national speakers with various backgrounds and fields of expertise from various parts of the world, such as Denmark, Italy, Australia, Malaysia, and the United States. This course is attended by 47 students, 43 from Indonesia and 4 from various countries such as Denmark, Germany, Nepal, and Australia. 

This course consisted of three different modules, each highlighting different aspects of cultural dynamics and life-span development delivered by the speakers. Module 1, titled Understanding Culture and Life-Span Development: Concept and Current Perspectives focuses on the paradigm of culture and how it is contextualized with today’s global conditions.

Date	Time (GMT +7)	Agenda	Speakers
Tuesday, 17 September 2024	16:00-18:00	Redefining Culture in current context	Prof. Jaan Valsiner and Prof. Giuseppina Marsico
Wednesday, 18 September 2024	16:00-18:00	(Global North–Global South) culture interactions and how it shapes life-span development	Prof. Jaan Valsiner and Prof. Giuseppina Marsico
Thursday, 19 September 2024	16:00-18:00	Polyculturalism in understanding lifespan development in current society	Prof. Emiko Kashima
Friday, 20 September 2024	16:00-18:00	A critique of life course intervention	Prof. Peter van Eeuwijk

Module 2, titled Methods for Contextual Life-Span Development: Research and Intervention dives into the methodologies for researching human development, which covers the integration of cultural diversity, optimally utilizing action research and photovoice techniques, and the ethical principles inherent in this field.

Date	Time (GMT +7)	Agenda	Speakers
Wednesday, 25 September 2024	16:00-18:00	Contextual action research in developmental psychology using Photovoice	Dr. Elga Andriana
Thursday, 26 September 2024	16:00-18:00	Ethical practice in integrating life-span development research and intervention	Dr. Andrian Liem

The last module, titled Thematic Explorations of Contextual Research and Intervention on Life-Span Development has two distinct sessions; research and intervention. The research session will dive into the utilization of cultural and indigenous methodologies within life-span developmental research. While the intervention session delves into the significance of cultural considerations in interventions, such as youth dynamics, addressing bullying, and the empowerment of older adults.

Date	Time (GMT +7)	Agenda	Speakers
Friday, 27 September 2024	16:00-18:00	Social relations in the Javanese context	Prof. Faturochman
Tuesday, 1 October 2024	16:00-18:00	An Indonesian Indigenous perspective of life-span development	Ryan Sugiarto
Wednesday, 2 October 2024	19:00-21:00	Digital society and life-span development	Dr. Jessica Navarro
Thursday, 3 October 2024	16:00-18:00	Collaborative life-span development intervention	Dr. Sutarimah Ampuni and Dr. Yuni Hastutiningsih
Monday, 7 October 2024	16:00-18:00	Research with children and youth in the context of migration	Dr. Roy Huijsmans
Tuesday, 8 October 2024	16:00-18:00	Empowering Older Adults	Prof. Elisabeth Schröder-Butterfill
Friday, 11 October 2024	16:00-18:00	Risk and resilience in developmental diversity: Learning from Deaf culture	Surya Sahetapy

After attending all the sessions, there is a student-led conference held on Monday, 14 October 2024. This conference has the students create a research proposal based off of the materials from the lectures as the course learning outcome. With that, the International Summer Course, which ran from 17 September to 14 October 2024, with a total of 13 sessions, 14 speakers from 9 countries, and 47 participants from 5 countries, has come to an end.

A huge thank you to our speakers for sharing their knowledge and valuable insights on cultural dynamics and lifespan development. We are also deeply grateful to all participants for their active engagement, attendance, and thoughtful contributions during the sessions. We look forward to welcoming you at our future events! [MWK]

CLSD Fakultas Psikologi UGM baru-baru ini menyelenggarakan kegiatan psikoedukasi bertajuk “Cerdas Menggunakan Gadget dan Internet untuk Anak” di SD Muhammadiyah Pakem yang dilaksanakan pada tanggal 30 dan 31 Juli 2024. Kegiatan ini bertujuan agar siswa mampu memahami dan mempraktikkan cara menggunakan gadget dan internet yang sehat dan aman, dimana kegiatan ini dapat mendukung tercapainya Sustainable Development Goals nomor 4 yang berkaitan dengan pendidikan bermutu. Kegiatan ini diikuti oleh 83 siswa kelas 5 SD Muhammadiyah Pakem dan berlangsung mulai pukul 08.00 hingga 12.00 WIB di setiap harinya. Psikoedukasi berlangsung interaktif dan menarik dengan melibatkan beberapa trainer yang merupakan intern CLSD yaitu Rahmita Laily Muhtadini, S.Psi, Carissa Azarine Delicia, S.Psi, dan Fadhliah Sofiyana Noor Saprowi, S.Psi. 

Pada hari pertama, siswa memperoleh tiga materi utama yaitu pengenalan gadget dan internet, regulasi diri dalam penggunaan gadget dan internet, dan manajemen screen time. Siswa tidak hanya diberikan materi dengan metode ceramah, melainkan juga diajak berdiskusi dua arah untuk lebih memahami materi yang disampaikan. Trainer memfasilitasi siswa untuk mendiskusikan mengenai regulasi diri ketika menggunakan gadget dan internet. Regulasi diri dapat membantu siswa untuk lebih bertanggung jawab dalam mengakses informasi. Terakhir, trainer memberikan penjelasan mengenai cara manajemen screen time agar para siswa mampu membatasi penggunaan gadget secara bijak. Penggunaan gadget berlebihan tentunya dapat memberikan efek buruk tidak hanya dari sisi fisik, tetapi juga psikologis. 

Pada hari kedua, trainer mengajarkan dan mengajak diskusi para siswa untuk memahami tentang keamanan digital dan etika berjejaring secara daring. Keamanan digital merupakan hal yang penting untuk melindungi identitas siswa dari berbagai ancaman yang ada di dunia maya. Hal ini bertujuan untuk mendorong siswa agar lebih bertanggung jawab dalam berinteraksi di dunia maya seperti di media sosial. Dengan kegiatan ini, harapannya para siswa tidak hanya mendapatkan ilmu dan wawasan baru mengenai cara menggunakan gadget dan internet yang baik, tetapi juga menerapkan ilmu yang didapat dalam kegiatan sehari-hari.

Rabu, 24 Juli 2024, CLSD UGM dan Perwakilan BKKBN DIY mengadakan Pelatihan Stimulasi Sosioemosional pada Anak Usia Dini di Rumah Dukuh Gadungan Kepuh, Canden, Jetis, Bantul. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan keterampilan kader Bina Keluarga Balita dalam mendukung perkembangan sosioemosional pada anak usia dini.

Pelatihan yang berlangsung dari pukul 08.00 hingga 12.30 WIB ini dihadiri oleh 25 peserta, yang terdiri dari kader Bina Keluarga Balita (BKB) Matahari, penyuluh keluarga berencana, serta orang tua setempat. Acara ini dipandu oleh Ibu Wirdatul Anisa, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog, dan didukung oleh panitia dari tim interns CLSD UGM.

Tujuan utama pelatihan ini adalah untuk memperluas pemahaman dan keterampilan kader dalam menstimulasi perkembangan sosioemosional anak usia dini. Dengan meningkatkan pengetahuan mengenai cara melatih keterampilan emosional anak, para kader diharapkan dapat menerapkan dan menyebarluaskan pengetahuan tersebut di komunitas masing-masing. Melalui berbagai materi dan praktik, para peserta belajar cara membangun hubungan yang baik dengan anak dan mengenali perkembangan sosioemosional melalui metode yang interaktif.

Kegiatan dimulai dengan sosialisasi tentang pengisian Kartu Kembang Anak (KKA) yang dipandu oleh perwakilan dari BKKBN DIY. Selanjutnya, narasumber memberikan pemaparan materi tentang tujuan dan metode stimulasi sosioemosional pada anak yang kemudian dilanjutkan dengan praktik langsung, termasuk aktivitas “Berkenalan & Belajar dengan Anak” serta “Mengenal Perkembangan Emosi”. 

Pada sesi “Berkenalan dan Belajar dengan Anak“, peserta mempelajari prinsip-prinsip interaksi yang baik dan penggunaan penguatan positif untuk membentuk perilaku anak. Aktivitas ini bertujuan agar peserta mampu membangun hubungan hangat dan menciptakan suasana belajar yang menyenangkan. Selanjutnya, di sesi “Mengenal Perkembangan Emosi“, peserta diajarkan cara mengenali dan menyebutkan emosi dasar, serta mengidentifikasi ekspresi emosi melalui media video dan kartu emosi. 

Untuk semakin memperkuat pemahaman peserta, tim CLSD juga mengadakan sesi monitoring berkelanjutan. Para peserta diminta untuk mempraktikkan materi yang telah dipelajari dan melaporkan kemajuan mereka melalui grup WhatsApp yang telah disediakan.

Acara ini diakhiri dengan sesi refleksi mengenai umpan balik pelatihan dari peserta. Ibu Rita, perwakilan dari BKB Matahari, mengungkapkan, “Terima kasih kepada BKKBN dan CLSD UGM atas ilmu yang telah diberikan. Banyak materi yang dapat kami implementasikan pada kelompok kami.” 

Selain itu, Bapak Diyan Purnomo, Dukuh Padukuhan Gadungan Kepuh, menyampaikan apresiasi terhadap BKKBN dan CLSD UGM, “Saya berterima kasih atas ilmu yang telah diberikan dan berharap pengetahuan ini dapat dibagikan kepada keluarga lain. Semoga semakin banyak keluarga yang dapat mengikuti pelatihan ini.”

Pelatihan ini merupakan bagian dari upaya berkelanjutan untuk meningkatkan kualitas pengasuhan anak di Kabupaten Bantul. Pelatihan ini sejalan dengan tujuan SDGs yaitu kesehatan yang baik dan kesejahteraan (3), pendidikan bermutu (4), dan kemitraan untuk mencapai tujuan (17). Dengan keterampilan baru yang diperoleh, diharapkan kader dan orang tua dapat lebih efektif dalam mendukung perkembangan sosioemosional anak usia dini, yang pada akhirnya berkontribusi pada pembentukan generasi yang lebih sehat dan bahagia.

Pada hari Sabtu, 2 Maret 2024 pukul 08.30-11.30 WIB, Center for Life-Span Development (CLSD) Fakultas Psikologi UGM melalui Tim The Reading Buddies mengadakan acara pelatihan read aloud atau membaca nyaring di Kampung Suronatan, Kelurahan Notoprajan, Kemantren Ngampilan, Kota Yogyakarta. Acara dihadiri oleh 19 orang, terdiri dari Kader Bina Keluarga Balita (BKB) dan orang tua yang memiliki anak usia dini. Tujuan dari acara ini adalah untuk mengenalkan dan meningkatkan kemampuan para kader BKB dan orang tua dalam praktik membaca nyaring di rumah maupun di komunitas. Kegiatan pelatihan ini merupakan kelanjutan dari aktivitas membaca nyaring oleh Tim The Reading Buddiesdua minggu sebelumnya, dengan tujuan agar masyarakat di Kampung Suronatan mampu secara mandiri melanjutkan aktivitas literasi ini.

Acara dimulai dengan sambutan dari perwakilan BKB, diikuti oleh sambutan dari moderator juga merupakan perwakilan dari CLSD, yaitu Kevin Pasquella Helian, S.Psi. Acara kemudian dilanjutkan dengan sesi pemateri oleh Navia Fathona Handayani, S.Psi., seorang pegiat literasi yang memiliki pengalaman luas dalam gerakan membaca nyaring. Materi yang disampaikan mencakup penjelasan tentang pentingnya membacakan nyaring, unsur-unsur buku yang perlu diperhatikan saat membaca nyaring, serta demonstrasi praktik membaca nyaring. Peserta menyimak dengan antusias untuk memahami berbagai aspek membaca nyaring yang diajarkan oleh pemateri.

Selanjutnya, acara melibatkan pembagian peserta pelatihan ke dalam empat kelompok kecil. Tujuan dari agenda ini adalah untuk mengaplikasikan materi yang telah diajarkan sebelumnya oleh pemateri. Dua orang fasilitator, Rahmita Laily Muhtadini, S.Psi., dan Riskhi Pratama Kusuma Arum Jati, S.Psi., bertugas memandu dinamika peserta di dalam kelompok kecil. Dalam proses ini, peserta diberi waktu untuk memilih buku dengan mempertimbangkan berbagai unsur seperti tema, alur, latar, dan tokoh cerita. Setiap peserta kemudian berlatih membaca nyaring di dalam kelompok kecil. Proses ini sangat penting untuk memastikan bahwa peserta memahami konsep membacakan nyaring tidak hanya di ranah pengetahuan, tetapi juga dalam ranah keterampilan.

Agenda berikutnya adalah sesi praktik membaca nyaring oleh perwakilan peserta dari masing-masing kelompok. Selain bertujuan untuk melihat kemampuan peserta setelah pelatihan, agenda ini juga dirancang untuk proses evaluasi bersama. Peserta memberikan apresiasi dan masukan terhadap sesama peserta selama proses membaca nyaring di depan kelas. Acara ditutup dengan pemberian sertifikat, doorprize, serta foto bersama.

Seluruh rangkaian acara dalam pelatihan membaca nyaring ini diharapkan dapat meningkatkan kepekaan dan kemampuan kader BKB serta orang tua. Acara ini juga diharapkan dapat membangun kemandirian bagi warga Kampung Suronatan dalam menyebarkan semangat literasi di rumah maupun masyarakat.

Sumber: CLSD UGM

Editor: Erna

Pada hari Rabu, 31 Januari 2024 pukul 15.00-17.00 WIB, Center for Life-Span Development (CLSD) menyelenggarakan webinar bertajuk “Children’s Voices: Well-Being for All, Building Student Well-Being through Child-led Initiatives”. Webinar ini terbuka untuk umum dan ditujukan kepada audiens yang beragam seperti siswa sekolah dasar dan menengah, guru, akademisi, praktisi, dan orang tua. Webinar dilaksanakan secara daring melalui Zoom Meeting dan diikuti oleh kurang lebih 320 peserta yang berasal dari Indonesia, Thailand, dan Filipina. Adapun tujuan webinar ini adalah memberikan kesempatan bagi peneliti muda untuk berbagi inisiatif dan hasil penelitian mereka dalam rangka meningkatkan kesadaran publik tentang pentingnya mendengarkan suara anak-anak untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan mereka.

Acara diawali dengan pembukaan, dipandu oleh MC yang merupakan siswa SD Taman Muda IP Tamansiswa – Yogyakarta, yaitu Tiffany dan Caroline. Mereka menyambut para peserta dan membuka acara dengan penuh semangat. Acara dilanjutkan dengan sambutan oleh Deputy Director (Programme Development) SEAMEO, John Arnold Siena. Beliau menyampaikan pesan dan harapannya terkait acara ini, yang mana menyoroti pentingnya penelitian dan proyek-proyek inovatif dalam dunia pendidikan. Dr. Elga Andriana selaku peneliti yang memperoleh SEAMEO-Australia Education Link Award (SAELA) 2022 dengan judul penelitian “Our (photo)Voice: Children and Young People’s Joint Action Research on Student Well-Being for All” kemudian menambahkan penjelasan mendalam mengenai penelitian yang akan dibahas dalam acara ini. 

Webinar dilanjutkan dengan penyampaian materi atau presentasi yang terbagi ke dalam tiga sesi. Presenter pertama, Ayun Septa Wibawa, siswa SMP Taman Dewasa IP  Tamansiswa – Yogyakarta, membagikan pengalaman penelitiannya yang berjudul “Small Voices, Big Impact.” Ayun berbicara tentang pengalaman menjadi peneliti muda dan hasil penelitiannya, termasuk solusi yang diusulkan dan tindakan yang diambil bersama guru dan orang tua. Selanjutnya, tiga anak dari Anak Rimba WARSI – Jambi yang bernama Melandai, Nanju, dan Becenteng, menyajikan paparan penelitian mereka yang berjudul “From Trash to Treasure“. Penelitian tersebut berfokus pada perubahan dari sampah menjadi barang berharga. Mereka berbagi pengalamannya sebagai peneliti muda dan perubahan yang telah mereka lakukan di komunitas mereka. Presenter terakhir, yaitu Dilbert Thimoty Tansania, siswa SMP Santa Maria Assumpta – Kupang, menyajikan pemikirannya dalam sesi yang berjudul “Bridging Perspectives of Friends and Parents for Student Well-being in an Inclusive“. Dilbert memaparkan proyeknya yang bertujuan untuk memahami dan merangkul siswa berkebutuhan khusus di sekolah inklusif. Ia berbicara tentang temuan dan perubahan yang dihasilkan dari proyek photovoice mereka. Pada akhir setiap sesi presentasi dilanjutkan dengan diskusi yang dipandu oleh para penanggap yaitu Dr. Elga Andriana, Dr. Indra Yohanes Kiling, dan Yohana Berliana Marpaung. Diskusi ini memberikan kesempatan kepada peserta untuk bertanya, berbagi ide, dan berkolaborasi.

Acara mencapai puncaknya pada sesi tanya jawab dengan para peserta. Pertanyaan dari peserta dijawab oleh para presenter dan penanggap dengan memperdalam pemahaman mengenai topik-topik yang telah dibahas. Pada akhir acara, Policy and Planning Specialist SEAMEO, Emiljohn Columna Sentillas, memberikan penutup yang merangkum inti dari acara tersebut. Beliau menyampaikan apresiasi kepada para pembicara, peserta, dan seluruh panitia yang telah berkontribusi dalam menyukseskan acara ini. Selain itu, beliau juga memberikan arahan untuk melanjutkan semangat kolaborasi dan inovasi dalam dunia pendidikan. Semua sesi disampaikan dalam bahasa Indonesia, dengan terjemahan bahasa Inggris yang juga disediakan oleh pihak penyelenggara.Penelitian “Our (photo)Voice: Children and Young People’s Joint Action Research on Student Wellbeing for All” memberikan kesempatan bagi anak-anak, termasuk anak-anak disabilitas dan anak-anak dari komunitas lokal, untuk berperan sebagai peneliti muda dalam memahami kesejahteraan mereka di lingkungan masing-masing. Melalui metode photovoice, peneliti muda dapat mengidentifikasi permasalahan kesejahteraan mereka serta memberikan saran rencana tindakan yang dapat diimplementasikan secara kolaboratif antara anak, guru, dan orang tua.

On October 2, 2023, our young researchers presented their impactful findings to school authorities, uncovering concerns shared by both special needs and typical students. The issues ranged from bullying to the desire for more extracurricular activities. Aligned with the young researchers’ insights, teachers acknowledged the need for action. A month later, on December 18, 2023, the school initiated training for the new student council, focusing on organizational skills and discipline. Inspired by the young researchers, the school took a stand against bullying by imposing sanctions. On December 20, 2023, the young researchers received psychoeducation on sexual harassment prevention, proactively sharing information through booklets and wall magazines to foster a safer and healthier school environment.

On September 22, 2023, our child researchers from Yogyakarta presented their research findings in front of their teachers and school foundation officials. During the presentation, the child researchers emphasized statements from special needs students who conveyed discomfort with the presence of their parents or family members as shadow teachers during class activities. This prompted a discussion involving the child researchers, mentors, and school authorities on the most effective practices to address the issue.

Derived from the outcomes of the discussion, the school authorities then amended school regulations regarding the accompaniment of family members in the school setting. Beginning in October 2023, the revised regulation prohibited higher-grade students (grades 4-6) from being accompanied by parents or family members during class activities.

On January 2, 2024, which was three months after the implementation of the new regulation, our child researchers conducted a follow-up assessment to inquire about the impact of the regulation on the students through simple interviews. The results have shown positive outcomes. Students have shared that they experience heightened happiness and comfort in the modified learning environment. The newfound independence has empowered them to explore and learn autonomously. Significantly, students have expressed a strong desire for the ongoing implementation of this regulatory adjustment in the future.

As the data collection and analysis phase concluded, a pivotal discussion unfolded with Prof. David Evans from The University of Sydney. On July 5, 2023, the Faculty of Psychology was privileged to host Prof. Evans for a transformative consultation session. Mentors from Yogyakarta and Kupang seized the opportunity to present their initial research findings, entering into a meaningful exchange with Prof. Evans, who offered valuable insights. The session expanded beyond results, delving into a discourse on the challenges of inclusive education observed during the research. Collaboratively, they explored potential avenues for future development. Prof. Evans’ visit not only enriched the ongoing project but also ignited contemplation on the dynamic landscape of inclusive education. As mentors and Prof. Evans collectively shaped the research’s trajectory, the session catalyzed inspiration, nurturing a shared commitment to advancing inclusive practices and deepening the understanding of student wellbeing in the realm of education.