Yogyakarta, 12 September 2024 – On Thursday, 12 September 2024, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a preparatory meeting for E-Monitoring and Evaluation (E-Monev) of Public Information Disclosure in 2024 online through the Zoom platform. This meeting involved various internal stakeholders of the faculty as well as representatives from related units at UGM.

This meeting had two main agendas that were discussed comprehensively. The first agenda discussed the E-Monev Timeline for Public Information Disclosure Year 2024. The E-Monev process begins in January 2024 with the collection of data and required documentation. Furthermore, the data evaluation and analysis process will last until June 2024, with the final report and recommendations to be published in August 2024. The establishment of this timeline is expected to ensure a structured and timely implementation of E-Monev.

The second agenda discussed the assessment parameters that will be applied in the questionnaire/SAQ (Self-Assessment Questionnaire) for E-Monev Public Information Disclosure 2024. The parameters to be assessed include five main aspects: Announcing Public Information, Providing Public Information Documents, Website Development, Procurement of Goods and Services, and Institutionalization.

This meeting aims to ensure that the E-Monev process can be implemented effectively and to increase transparency and accountability in the management of public information at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. The participants hope that the results of this E-Monev will provide useful insights and feedback to improve the quality of public information services in the faculty. The Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM is committed to ensuring that the implementation of E-Monev goes smoothly and has a positive impact on improving information disclosure in the institution.

On September 5, 2024, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) took place in the Conference Room 1 of the Dean’s Building of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This event was held as part of an effort to develop an online adaptive Arabic language test instrument based on ACTFL theory using CBT (Computer-Based Testing) at Darussalam Gontor University.

The researchers from Universitas Darussalam Gontor who attended this event were Dr. Ihwan Mahmudi, Dr. Ahmad Saifulloh, Dr. Moh. Ismail, and Dr. Izzul Fatawi. They explained the linguistic test development plan that they designed to improve the quality of Arabic language teaching through an adaptive testing approach.

The event was also attended by lecturers from the Faculty of Humanities UGM who gave a warm welcome to the researchers. The discussion focused on sharing information and experiences regarding the different types of language tests that have been implemented at the Faculty of Humanities UGM. The UGM lecturers provided valuable guidance and insights on how to develop and implement effective language tests, as well as the challenges that may be faced in the process.

This collaboration between Universitas Darussalam Gontor and the UGM Faculty of Cultural Sciences is expected to produce better test instruments, which not only measure Arabic language proficiency effectively but also adapt to the needs and latest technological developments in language education. 

This activity is an important step forward in efforts to improve the quality of Arabic language learning and is expected to be a model for other institutions in the development of technology-based language tests.

Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt., Assistant Expert at the Department of Language and Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, was a presenter at the English and TOEFL ITP training activities that took place on 24-26 June 2024. This activity was conducted in a hybrid manner, combining face-to-face and online sessions, with support from Bappenas NTB.

The training aimed to improve participants’ skills in English, especially in preparation for TOEFL ITP, which includes Listening Comprehension, Structure and Writing Expression, and Reading Comprehension. The event was designed to provide in-depth understanding and effective strategies in dealing with the various components of the TOEFL ITP exam.

Participants came from various academic and professional backgrounds. Participants were given the opportunity to provide feedback on the effectiveness of the training. This evaluation aims to measure the achievement of the training objectives and determine areas that need improvement for similar activities in the future. With this training, Adiba Qonita Zahroh hopes to make a positive contribution to the participants’ preparation for the TOEFL ITP and improve their overall English language skills.

At the ‘English and TOEFL ITP Training’ activity held on 24-26 June 2024 via online yesterday, Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt., who is an Expert Assistant at the Department of Language and Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, introduced a TOEFL Pocket Book. This book is specifically designed to help students, educators, and institutions in understanding and preparing for the TOEFL Institutional Testing Programme (ITP) exam.

The book, titled ‘Handbook of TOEFL ITP’, is a comprehensive guide that provides detailed information on the structure of the TOEFL ITP exam, question types, preparation strategies, as well as additional resources to ensure examinee success. ‘The purpose of this book is to provide a useful tool for those who want to better prepare for the TOEFL ITP. We hope that this book can be the main reference that facilitates the learning process and prepares test takers for the TOEFL challenge,’ said Adiba Qonita Zahroh.

This project has the support and co-operation of Bappenas NTB, demonstrating their commitment to educational development and exam quality improvement at the local level. This handbook is expected to be a valuable resource for various groups involved in TOEFL ITP preparation. With the launch of this book, Adiba Qonita Zahroh hopes to make a significant contribution towards improving TOEFL ITP exam results as well as supporting broader education efforts in the area.

Medan, 4 July 2024 – Dr. Suhandano, M.A., Head Lecturer of the Department of Language and Literature, was one of the prominent speakers at the 2nd National Virtual Seminar on Mother Language organised by the Linguistics Doctoral Study Programme of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of North Sumatra University (USU). The seminar, held on 4 July 2024, was attended by students, lecturers, and language researchers from various regions in Indonesia.

On the occasion, Dr Suhandano presented a talk entitled ‘Voice Systems of Indonesian and Javanese Imperative Clauses’. The talk explored the uniqueness and complexity of voice systems in Indonesian and Javanese, hoping to increase participants’ understanding of this distinctive linguistic phenomenon.

The voice system is an important aspect of linguistics, especially in Austronesian languages, involving theories of syntax, language typology, and comparative historical linguistics. Dr Suhandano emphasised that the study of the voice systems of Indonesian languages, which number around 700, offers a real picture of language diversity and contributes significantly to the understanding of Austronesian voice systems.

The event is also part of an effort to advance research and development in linguistics in Indonesia, with collaborative partners from the Linguistics Doctoral Study Programme at FIB USU. This seminar is expected to encourage further interest and research on voice systems and Austronesian linguistics in general.