2.3 - Student-centered learning, teaching and assessment

Universitas Mulawarman (UNMUL) is committed to creating a learning environment that puts students at the forefront of the educational experience. This student-centered approach aims to empower learners by encouraging active participation, critical thinking, and ongoing improvement. This section provides an overview of the learning process for students, explains the various teaching and assessment methods used, details the learning platforms that support both digital and traditional instruction, and outlines the structure of tasks and examinations throughout the semester.

1. The Learning Process for Students
This approach aims to provide a more personalized and effective learning experience for students. The objective is to transition from a teacher-centered model to one that actively engages students in their own educational process, allowing them to take ownership of their learning. The essential components of this procedure comprise:
1. Active Participation and Engagement The classroom is transformed into an interactive setting where lectures are no longer a one-way transmission of knowledge. Classes are organized to incorporate interactive discussions, practical activities, and real-world problem-solving sessions. During lectures, teachers frequently pause to pose open-ended questions, foster debates, or administer brief surveys that provoke student contemplation. This approach ensures that students remain actively involved and committed to the learning process. 
2. Personalized Learning Experiences Recognizing that each student possesses a distinct learning style, the curriculum is designed to be flexible. Students can tailor their educational experiences through elective courses, research initiatives, and specialty workshops. This customized approach allows students to explore topics more comprehensively and at their own pace, ultimately improving motivation and academic performance. A student with a keen interest in a particular subject may select pertinent optional courses or engage in supplemental fieldwork projects or research assignments that augment the core curriculum. 
3. Collaborative Learning Environments Collaborative learning is fundamental to the student-centered paradigm. Collaborative projects, peer discussions, and joint research assignments promote teamwork, facilitate the exchange of varied viewpoints, and foster mutual learning among students. This not only cultivates essential teamwork and communication skills but also augments problem-solving capabilities. Collaborative group work enables students to negotiate positions, resolve disagreements, and synthesize diverse perspectives, equipping them for the cooperative demands of contemporary professional settings. 
4. Continuous and Constructive Feedback A crucial element of the learning process is the consistent delivery of feedback. During the semester, students obtain prompt, constructive feedback on their performance via multiple avenues, including tests, assignments, and informal in-class activities. This feedback loop is essential for enabling students to recognize areas for improvement, modify their study techniques, and attain elevated academic standards. Moreover, reflective techniques like learning journals and self-assessment reports promote students' critical evaluation of their development. 
5. Reflective and Metacognitive Practices Students are encouraged to engage in self-reflection to better understand their learning styles, strengths, and areas for growth. Regular reflective sessions, where students document their learning experiences and set future goals, help in developing metacognitive skills. These skills are crucial for lifelong learning, as they empower students to adapt to new challenges and continuously improve their academic performance.

2. Teaching and Assessment 
The methodologies used at UNMUL are diverse and student-centered. They ensure both theoretical knowledge and practical skills are effectively imparted and assessed. - Interactive lectures use multimedia presentations, case studies, and problem-solving exercises to create a dynamic learning environment. - Problem-Based Learning (PBL) involves students working in groups to solve open-ended problems, building critical thinking and problem-solving skills. - The Flipped Classroom Model assigns pre-class materials, then uses classroom time for discussions, practical exercises, and problem-solving activities.
Assessment Techniques at UNMUL Assessment is comprehensive and continuous, including: - Formative Assessments: Regular, low-stakes assessments (e.g., quizzes, journals, short assignments) that provide ongoing feedback and help monitor progress. - Summative Assessments: Final exams, comprehensive projects, or research papers that evaluate overall learning outcomes at the end of a module or semester. - Peer and Self-Assessment: Students evaluate their own work and that of their peers, fostering a culture of constructive criticism and self-improvement. - Integrated Use of Rubrics and Standards: Detailed rubrics and performance standards ensure transparency and consistency, outlining criteria for successful performance.

3. Used Learning Platforms 
UNMUL employs a wide range of digital technologies to enhance and facilitate the learning experience. These solutions enable seamless integration between traditional and digital learning settings, ensuring that students maintain uninterrupted access to academic resources regardless of their location. Learning Management System (LMS) The LMS serves as the central hub for course management and content delivery. It hosts lecture materials, reading lists, assignments, discussion forums, and assessment tools. Students can submit assignments online, participate in discussion boards, and access recorded lectures at any time, providing a flexible and accessible learning environment. e-Learning and Virtual Classroom Tools Tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Classroom are integrated into the teaching process to conduct live sessions, webinars, and virtual office hours. These platforms support real-time interactions, breakout sessions for small group discussions, and collaborative document editing, making them essential for distance learning and blended learning environments. 
Digital Libraries and Resource Centres Students have access to a vast array of digital resources, including e-books, scholarly journals, research databases, and multimedia content. These resources are critical for in-depth research and supplementing classroom instruction, enabling students to explore topics in greater detail. Mobile Learning Applications Recognizing the need for flexible learning opportunities, UNMUL supports mobile applications that allow students to access course content, participate in interactive learning modules, and receive notifications on assignment deadlines and exam schedules. These applications enhance the accessibility and convenience of the learning experience. Specialized Educational Software Depending on the discipline, students may also use specialized software for simulation, statistical analysis, design, and other subject-specific applications. These tools provide hands-on experience and practical skills that are essential in today's technologically advanced environment.

4. In-Class Teaching, Distance Learning, and Blended Learning Opportunities
To address the diverse needs of its student population, UNMUL offers multiple modes of instruction. These modes are designed to cater to different learning styles and preferences, ensuring that every student has access to quality education. In-class teaching remains a foundational element of the learning experience. This mode allows for immediate interaction, personalized guidance, and hands-on demonstrations. Classrooms are equipped with modern technology, including projectors, interactive whiteboards, and sound systems, to enhance the teaching and learning experience. For students who cannot attend classes on campus, comprehensive distance learning programs are available. These programs deliver full courses online, allowing students to engage with the material through video lectures, interactive modules, and virtual discussion groups. This mode ensures that geographical or time constraints do not hinder access to quality education. 
Blended learning combines the best aspects of in-class and distance learning. In this mode, some sessions are conducted in a traditional classroom setting, while others are delivered online. Blended learning offers flexibility, enabling students to benefit from direct interaction during face-to-face sessions while also enjoying the convenience of online learning. This model supports a smooth transition between different learning environments and caters to a broader range of learning preferences. The university also employs adaptive learning technologies that personalize the learning experience based on the individual needs of students. These environments use data analytics to adjust content difficulty, suggest additional resources, and provide targeted feedback, ensuring that every student is challenged at the appropriate level.

5. Explanation of given Tasks and Exams
Assessment is a vital component of the student-centered approach at UNMUL. The structure of tasks and examinations is designed to evaluate both the learning process and the final outcomes. The key aspects of this assessment framework include: 
(1)    Assignments and Projects 
Students are required to complete regular assignments and projects that directly relate to the course content. These tasks are designed to build upon one another, encouraging the development of complex, integrative knowledge over time. For example, an assignment may begin with a case study analysis and evolve into a larger group project that requires data collection, analysis, and a final presentation. 
(2)    Quizzes and In-Class Activities 
Frequent quizzes and in-class exercises provide immediate feedback on student comprehension. These low-stakes assessments allow both students and instructors to identify knowledge gaps early and adjust teaching strategies accordingly. 
(3)    Laboratory and Practical 
Exercises For courses with a practical component, laboratory sessions and hands-on exercises are integral to the curriculum. These practical assessments test not only theoretical understanding but also technical competence and real-world application skills.
(4)    Peer and Self-Assessments 
Peer and self-assessments are incorporated into the course design to encourage self-reflection and collaborative evaluation. These assessments help students develop a deeper understanding of evaluation criteria, foster accountability, and promote lifelong learning habits. 
(5)    Mid-Semester Evaluations 
Mid-semester evaluations serve as a checkpoint for both students and instructors. They can take the form of a mid-term exam, project progress reports, or oral presentations. These evaluations provide essential data on the effectiveness of the teaching methods and allow for timely intervention if students are struggling. 
(6)    Final Examinations and Summative Assessments 
At the end of the semester, a range of summative assessments is conducted to evaluate overall learning outcomes. Written Examinations Comprehensive written tests are used to assess theoretical understanding, analytical reasoning, and the ability to synthesize information from the entire course. 
(7)    Final Projects or Research Papers 
Many courses require the submission of a final project or research paper that encapsulates the semester's learning. These projects are designed to encourage independent research, critical analysis, and the application of learned concepts to solve real-world problems.
(8)    Oral Examinations and Presentations 
In certain disciplines, oral assessments and presentations are used to evaluate communication skills, critical thinking, and the ability to defend ideas coherently. 
(9)    Practical Examinations 
For courses that emphasize practical skills, hands-on examinations are conducted. These practical assessments test technical proficiency and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. 
(10)    Feedback and Reporting 
After each assessment phase, comprehensive feedback is provided to guide student improvement. 
(11)    Detailed reports summarizing performance, highlighting strengths, and identifying areas for improvement are shared with each student. 
This continuous feedback mechanism is critical for fostering self-directed learning and academic excellence. 
(12)    Transparent Assessment Criteria 
To ensure fairness and clarity, all assessments are accompanied by detailed rubrics and performance standards. These criteria are explained at the outset of the course and revisited periodically to ensure that students fully understand the expectations and how their work will be evaluated.

Annexes:
Annex 3 – Study and examination regulations
Annex 4 – Complaints policy