Yogyakarta, 27/02/2025 — The Doctoral Program in Educational Sciences, Graduate School of Yogyakarta State University (UNY), held a webinar themed “Deep Learning in Education: A Mindful, Meaningful, and Joyful Approach.” The event featured three speakers: Prof. Suyanto, Ph.D., Dr. Didik Wardaya, S.E., M.Pd., and Prof. Dr. Anik Ghufron, M.Pd., who discussed deep learning strategies to improve the quality of education in Indonesia.

Prof. Suyanto highlighted the current challenges in Indonesia’s education quality, such as low literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills among students, as reflected in the PISA 2022 results. He emphasized that deep learning must be mindful, meaningful, and joyful, built on principles of learner awareness, relevance of learning materials to real life, and positive, motivating learning experiences.

The implementation of deep learning includes careful planning, experiental-based learning, and reflection-based assessment to nurture graduates who are faithful, creative, collaborative, and communicative.

Dr. Didik Wardaya explained that the goal of national education, as stated in Law No. 20 of 2003, is to build a dignified national civilization. From a cultural perspective, education is a process of refining intellectual and moral intelligence to achieve a more prosperous life.

He stressed that deep learning must be grounded in cultural values and integrate thought, heart, emotion, and body. Implementation in schools should take into account supportive regulations, the use of digital technology, and a comfortable, bullying-free learning environment. Key strategies include empowering Guru Penggerak (teacher leaders) as mentors, holding regular reflective discussions, strengthening social activities to foster empathy, and forming implementation teams within schools.

Prof. Anik Ghufron examined deep learning through the lens of educational theory, drawing on several perspectives: Humanistic (honouring each learner), Critical (fostering awareness and critical thinking), Holistic (integrating intellectual, ethical, aesthetic, and kinesthetic aspects), Inclusive (adapting to students' diverse needs), and Progressive (focusing on growth and development).

In the context of educational transformation towards Smart Education 4.0, deep learning is expected to create adaptive, innovative, and lifelong learning experiences. The webinar concluded that mindful, meaningful, and joyful deep learning is a powerful solution to improve the quality of education in Indonesia. Participants were encouraged to apply these principles in their own contexts to create more effective and inspiring learning environments.

(sef/ant)