UNS Biology Education Program Prepares Students for School Field Experience through PLP 2026 Briefing

Surakarta, Indonesia — July 2, 2026. The Biology Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), held the first session of the 2026 School Field Experience (Pengenalan Lapangan Persekolahan/PLP) Briefing on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Held under the theme “Ready to Teach in PLP: Creative Biology Practicum Ideas and Meaningful Assessment,” the activity was designed to prepare students with practical teaching strategies and pedagogical competencies before undertaking their school field experience.

The briefing took place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Room 304, Building D, FKIP UNS, and was attended by students of the Biology Education Study Program, particularly the 2023 cohort, for whom the activity was mandatory.

The program featured two speakers with complementary perspectives from school practice and higher education: Eko Setyaningsih, S.Pd., M.Si., a Biology teacher at SMA Negeri 5 Surakarta, and Dr. Kistantia Elok Mumpuni, M.Pd., a lecturer in the Biology Education Study Program, FKIP UNS.

Strengthening Practical Biology Teaching Skills

The first session, delivered by Eko Setyaningsih, S.Pd., M.Si., focused on “Addressing Limitations: Designing Creative Biology Practicums.” The session introduced students to strategies for designing meaningful and engaging biology practical activities, particularly in situations where teachers face limitations in laboratory facilities, materials, time, or other learning resources.

Through this session, students were encouraged to view limitations not only as challenges but also as opportunities to develop creativity and adaptability in teaching. These competencies are particularly important for prospective biology teachers, who will encounter diverse school environments and learning conditions during their professional careers.

The second session was presented by Dr. Kistantia Elok Mumpuni, M.Pd., who discussed “Designing Meaningful Assessment in Biology Classrooms.” The session emphasized the role of assessment as an integral part of the learning process rather than merely a tool for measuring students’ final achievement.

Participants were introduced to the importance of designing assessments that are aligned with learning objectives and capable of providing meaningful information about students’ learning processes and outcomes. The discussion encouraged prospective teachers to consider assessment as a means of supporting student learning and improving instructional decisions.

Preparing Prospective Teachers for Real School Contexts

The 2026 PLP Briefing represents an important stage in the professional preparation of Biology Education students before they enter school settings. By bringing together perspectives from an experienced school teacher and a university lecturer, the activity connected theoretical knowledge acquired in university with the practical demands of classroom teaching.

The combination of creative practical work and meaningful assessment also reflects two essential aspects of effective science education. Prospective teachers need not only to understand biology as a scientific discipline, but also to be able to design learning experiences that are engaging, contextual, and responsive to students’ needs.

The briefing is expected to equip students with greater confidence and readiness to undertake their PLP activities and interact directly with teachers, students, and school communities.

Bridging Campus Learning and Professional Practice

School Field Experience is an important component of teacher education at FKIP UNS, providing students with opportunities to apply their academic and pedagogical knowledge in authentic educational settings. The preparation program therefore serves as a bridge between university-based learning and the professional responsibilities of future teachers.

For the Biology Education Study Program, activities such as the PLP briefing contribute to its broader commitment to preparing graduates who are competent educators, researchers, and entrepreneurs, while continuously strengthening their pedagogical and professional capabilities.

The Biology Education Study Program, FKIP UNS, extends its appreciation to Eko Setyaningsih, S.Pd., M.Si., and Dr. Kistantia Elok Mumpuni, M.Pd., for sharing their expertise and practical insights, as well as to all students and organizers involved in the successful implementation of the first session of the 2026 PLP Briefing.

The program is expected to provide a strong foundation for students as they begin their school field experience and take their next step toward becoming reflective, creative, and professionally prepared biology educators.