Garut - Indonesian Institute of Education In an effort to improve the quality of primary education, the Study Program Mathematics Education Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education Indonesia University of Education (UPI) and the PGSD Study Program of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Languages, and Literature Education at the Indonesia Institute of Education (IPI) Garut launched a collaborative program entitled Proleco-DDR (Professional Learning Community Based on Didactical Design Research). This program is part of the Community Service Activities (PEKEMAS) carried out throughout 2024 in various primary schools across Garut Regency.
This program is designed to establish a research-based professional learning community, with a focus on enhancing literacy and numeracy instruction. The activities implemented include socialization, workshops, training sessions, and intensive mentoring targeted at primary school teachers, principals, and school supervisors.
The main target of this program is primary school teachers who have been facing challenges in designing innovative, student-centered learning. Through the Proleco-DDR approach, teachers are guided to understand and apply learning designs based on learning trajectory and learning obstacle within the context of their respective classroom situations
The results of this program have been quite encouraging. More than 90% of the participants were reported to have gained a solid understanding of the Proleco-DDR concept. Approximately 85% of the teachers also demonstrated improved ability in designing classroom-based instructional plans. In addition, the program has produced several outputs, including scientific articles and literacy–numeracy learning modules that can be directly utilized in teaching and learning activities.
In addition to its direct benefits for participants, the long-term impact of this program has also begun to emerge. The establishment of a collaborative professional teacher community has encouraged the development of a culture of reflection and innovation within schools. The relationships among teachers, principals, and supervisors have also become more synergistic in addressing educational challenges. The Proleco-DDR model is even considered to have strong potential for replication in other regions in West Java that face similar challenges.
The evaluation was carried out comprehensively using both formative and summative approaches. Throughout the activities, monitoring was conducted through observations, discussions, and reflections. After the program concluded, the evaluation continued through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The evaluation results indicated the program’s success and provided recommendations for further sustainable development.
one of the participants provided a testimonial that illustrates the impact of this program
Through Proleco-DDR, I feel more confident and creative in designing learning activities that align with students’ needs.
The Proleco-DDR program demonstrates how inter-institutional collaboration and research-based approaches can bring about tangible changes at the primary school level. Through a structured process—ranging from socialization and training to mentoring and evaluation—the program not only enhances teachers’ capacities but also strengthens the foundation for sustainable, reflection-based education.