TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarim has introduced the Guru Penggerak or teachers as a driving force program as the fifth part of his Merdeka Belajar (Freedom to Learn) Program.

Nadiem said this program supported teachers to be the actor of change and contribute more to their respective learning units.

“Teachers as a driving force must generate different impacts, such as on other teachers, schools. They also become a light, an initiator in and or even outside their education units,” said Nadiem as quoted from the YouTube channel of the ministry today, July 3.

According to him, the program has become the ministry’s current priority. However, he asserted he would not force teachers to join the movement as it was not aimed at all teachers.

“This is for teachers who are enthusiastic and have the confidence to contribute more outside the classrooms. If this is not a passion, don’t apply for this program,” the minister said.

Nadiem added that no matter how great the educational technology, curriculum, and educational infrastructure is, there is nothing that can replace the role of teachers as the driving force in transforming the educational culture.

“They who become the driving forces are expected to be school principals, supervisors, up to trainers for other teachers in the future,” Nadiem Makarim said, underlining that the main focus of the program is the learning for students.

The teachers will not only focus on the curriculum but also encourage the holistic growth of students. They are also hoped to help improve the collaboration between schools and other parties, including parents, other schools, and other regions.

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BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI