Teacher Mentoring in Developing Experiential Creative Learning-Based Teaching Modules for Early Childhood Education Units.
The Early Childhood Teacher Education Study Program (ECE) at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA) recently carried out a Community Engagement (PkM) activity titled, "Teacher Mentoring in Developing Experiential Creative Learning-Based Teaching Modules for Early Childhood Education Units." This event took place in Temanggung, Central Java. The goal was to guide PAUD teachers in creating teaching modules that not only align with learning objectives but also provide concrete, creative, and contextual learning experiences for young children. Experiential Creative Learning was chosen as the approach to emphasize the importance of hands-on, enjoyable learning that stimulates children's imagination and curiosity.
The activity was led by Dr. Yes Matheos Lasarus Malaikosa, M.Pd., the main speaker, who provided technical guidance on the principles and steps for creating creative experience-based teaching modules. During the training session, Dr. Yes stated, "A teaching module isn't just an administrative document; it's a living tool—one that can ignite a child's curiosity through learning activities designed with heart and imagination." Participants were guided to develop learning designs that actively involve children through play, environmental exploration, simple experiments, and other creative activities relevant to daily life.
This activity was chaired by Dhian Gowinda Luh Safitri, M.Ed., with team members: Dr. Sri Setyowati, M.Pd., Dr. Mallevi Agustin Ningrum, M.Pd., and Dr. Yes Matheos Lasarus Malaikosa, M.Pd. Participants highly appreciated the training because it shifted their perspective on creating teaching materials, making them less rigid and more adaptable to children's characteristics and environment. One participant shared, "Before, we just copied modules from other sources. Now, we can create our own with more confidence and tailored to the children's needs." This activity strengthens PG-PAUD UNESA's role in fostering professionalism among PAUD teachers through creative pedagogical approaches centered on children's real-life experiences.
