The case at state vocational high school SMK Negeri 2 Padang, West Sumatra, reminds us of similar cases in a number of regions that have sparked public discussion.
By
kompas editor
·3 minutes read
The case at state vocational high school SMK Negeri 2 Padang, West Sumatra, reminds us of similar cases in a number of regions that have sparked public discussion.
In all those cases, both the obligation and prohibition of wearing religious attributes at public schools occurred with the majority being the determining factor. This raises the question as to how education in a very diverse society is carried out. Schools, where formal education is implemented, should be a place to sow the values of diversity that are the wealth of this nation.
At least from elementary school, students are taught that Indonesia is a pluralistic nation, consisting of various ethnicities, languages and religions/beliefs. All elements of the nation are committed to living together within the framework of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika -- diverse but still united as the Indonesian nation.
Schools and also teachers, in particular, must present these values of diversity in teaching and learning activities and relationships at school.
However, sowing the values of diversity cannot only be by teaching the subjects so students can learn and even memorize information to get good grades on exams. There are no specific lessons that can be a medium for sowing diversity values. Schools and also teachers, in particular, must present these values of diversity in teaching and learning activities and relationships at school.
Students must be given experience so they accept and appreciate differences. First of all, schools and teachers accept and appreciate the differences in each student.
In addition to differences in ethnicity, language and religion/belief, more broadly differences in socio-economic, geography, personality, learning styles, point of view/opinion must also be respected. A simple example: does a teacher accept it when a student states (that their opinion) what the teacher said was not quite right? Does the teacher give students the opportunity to give reasons for their opinion?
State schools have a big responsibility to present the value of diversity. As a school with multiple students, first, the state schools have an obligation to facilitate the education of all students without exception.
The experience of appreciating differences not only creates mutual respect and respect among school members, but also increases students\' critical thinking capability. Students get equal opportunities in a democratic learning environment.
Respecting differences is the basis for character education stipulated in the 2013 Curriculum. The experience of appreciating differences not only creates mutual respect and respect among school members, but also increases students\' critical thinking capability. Students get equal opportunities in a democratic learning environment.
The experience of appreciating differences will help students hone skills to collaborate with those who have different opinions. This will help students adapt and solve problems faced in life and in society. Education that respects diversity is also the basis for creating educational equality in society. This must start with policymakers with regard to education. For this, we need to be honest with the goals of national education.
(This article was translated byKurniawan Siswoko).