Connection Between Deep Learning and High Quality Learning Strategies

In the middle of accelerating global transformation and technological advances, Indonesian education is faced with the challenge of producing individuals who are not only intellectually intelligent but also emotionally resilient, adaptive in the face of change, and have a strong character. A recent approach to improving the quality of education is deep learning, which is based on three main principles: mindful, meaningful and joyful.

This concept caught the Minister of Elementary and Junior Education's attention. Abdul Mu'ti emphasized the importance of these three principles as the foundation in creating high quality education. Those three are not just slogans but they are strategic guidelines in designing a more immersive and holistic learning process.

This approach not only aims to improve student's cognitive comprehension but also to connect knowledge with real contexts and create a joyful learning atmosphere. Thus, education is not only about transferring knowledge, but rather a vessel to shape awareness, character, and life skills that are more relevant to the demands these days.

More Than a Method

Basically, deep learning is not just a teaching method, but an educational framework that emphasizes deep understanding, critical reflection, and the application of knowledge in a real context. This approach encourages students to not only memorize concepts but also link various concepts, think critically, and solve problems with a reflective and innovative approach.

However, deep learning should not only focus on developing cognitive aspects. Effective education should be able to sharpen students' emotional, moral, aesthetic and spiritual dimensions. In this context, Ki Hajar Dewantara's educational philosophy provides valuable guidance: education must be balanced between thinking (cognitive), feeling (emotional and moral), sensing (aesthetics and artistic sensitivity), and body (physical health).

Ki Hajar Dewantara emphasized that an ideal education not only produces a generation that is good at cognitive aspects, but also has a sympathetic heart, a calm soul, a strong aesthetic sense, and a healthy physique. This principle is very much in line with the philosophy of deep learning, which emphasizes learning not only as an effort to understand theories and facts, but also as a means of forming full awareness (mindful), building relevance in every learning (meaningful), and creating a joyful learning atmosphere.

The history of education in post-World War II Japan also provides an interesting illustration of the importance of the balance between intellectual intelligence and character development. After the defeat in the war, the Japanese education system underwent major reforms under the Allies' supervision (SCAP). Moral education that was previously filled with propaganda was transformed into education that emphasized the principles of democracy, equality, cooperation, and respect for knowledge.

Emperor Hirohito played a vital role by emphasizing the importance of teachers in reshaping the morals and spirit of Japanese society. Thus, education not only focused on mastering science and technology but also instilling the values of discipline, responsibility, and empathy into every aspect of learning.

Meanwhile, Finland is also a successful example of how a modern education system can prioritize student welfare without compromising academic quality. This country's education system is known for emphasizing an inclusive learning atmosphere, free from excessive pressure, and focusing on developing critical thinking skills. Teachers in Finland are not just transmitters of material, but educators who help students understand the relevance of knowledge in everyday life. In addition, free education and effective use of technology ensure that every student has equal access to quality education.

Both Ki Hajar Dewantara's educational philosophy, Japan's experience and Finland's practice have shown that successful education is not just about mastering knowledge but also about building a solid foundation of character, moral awareness, aesthetics and empathy.

Mindful Learning: Awareness during the Learning Process

Mindfulness in the learning process plays a vital role in mindful learning. This approach teaches students to be fully present in every stage of learning . Starting from: understanding goals, reflecting on progress, and designing effective strategies to achieve desired outcomes. Students who are able to regulate their learning process tend to be more effective in overcoming constraints and achieving optimal results.

At the Early Childhood Education (ECE) level, this approach can begin with teaching children to recognize and express their emotions in healthy ways. At the elementary school level, daily reflection through learning journals helps students understand the connection between classroom lessons and daily life. This realization is not just about academics, but also about building a solid foundation of emotional and spiritual well-being early on.

Meaningful Learning: Connecting Knowledge to Reality

Meaningful learning occurs when students are able to relate their learned knowledge to real-life experiences. This process allows students to see the relevance between theory and practice, so that the knowledge stands more than just a memorized information, but also it can be understood and applicable.

At the elementary level, math concepts can be taught through simulations of buying and selling in markets, so that students understand how numbers and calculations work in a real context. In high school, a project-based or problem-based learning approach can be an effective tool to teach critical thinking skills on issues such as the environment or public health.

Joyful Learning: Happiness Provides Energy for Students

Joyful learning is not always playing in class. Joyful learning is about creating a positive, motivating and challenging learning environment. A stressful atmosphere turns off students' curiosity and enthusiasm, whereas a joyful atmosphere makes them more open to understanding the material and exploring ideas.

At the early childhood level, a learning atmosphere full of exploration and creativity through songs, dances and games is an effective approach. At the elementary level, storytelling and dynamic group activities help students stay focused and enthusiastic. At the middle level, technologies such as gamification and digital simulations can be used to make complex material more interesting and easy to understand.

Inclusive and Sustainable Strategies

Education based on the principles of mindful, meaningful and joyful is not just an idealistic concept, but a real necessity to build the future of the nation. Ki Hajar Dewantara's principles of mind, feeling, sensing and body become the philosophical foundation that is in line with the concept of deep learning.
With an inclusive strategy, conducive learning environment and effective technology support,

Indonesia's education has a great opportunity to produce a generation that not only excels in knowledge, but also has integrity, care, and balance in thinking, feeling, and acting. Education is not just about producing individuals with high scores, but forming whole people who are ready to face the world with awareness, responsibility and wisdom.

This article is written by:
Prof. Maila Dinia Husni Rahiem, M.A., Ph.D.
Professor of Early Childhood Education and Social Welfare at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta

Released on news.detik.com
On January 15, 2025
(Photo by: PIH)