Reading literacy is one of the most important indicators in determining the quality of education and human resources of a country. High interest in reading at an early age can form a long-term mindset that will have an impact on critical thinking skills and information processing. Therefore, in the digital era, where information expands and develops without limits, these two skills become important capital that can support the improvement of quality of human resources.
At the global level, reading literacy of 15-year-olds is one of the competencies assessed through the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). Besides reading and writing, Mathematics and Science are the other competencies measured at the event held every three years by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Based on PISA’s 2015 results, the reading ability of 15-year-old children in Singapore was ranked first from 73 participating countries, while Indonesia was only ranked 67.1 Although the results of the PISA 2015 were not optimal, Indonesia actually experienced a slight increase from PISA 2012 reading literacy results, in which Indonesia was positioned 57 of 61 countries.2 This increase is in line with the increase in reading literacy in the Indonesian population aged 15 to 24 years as reported by BPS (Central Statistics Agency of Indonesia) in 2016, which amounted to 99.67 percent.
Reflecting on Singapore’s achievements, who successfully achieved the first rank in PISA 2015, it can be certainly be said that it was not the result of unilateral work nor an instant process. This achievement was supported by Singapore’s consistency in advancing education, including by maintaining the ratio of teachers and students, applying the same curriculum in all learning institutions, and improving the quality of teaching staff.
The three factors that targeted the two important elements in the learning activities were proven to be vital in driving Singapore to be in the first place in PISA.
This education system, which is the pride of Singapore, may be adopted by Indonesia. Instead of memorising, children are required to think logically in a situational and timely learning process. This method makes the learning process more real and enjoyable. Every child is motivated to give opinions at every opportunity, from discussion sessions to delivery of subject matter. Supported by a continually-updated curriculum, the series of strategies used in Singaporean education have proven to be able to improve the quality of education, especially reading literacy.
Following Singapore’s success, Indonesia may adopt the development strategies above based on the needs and current conditions of Indonesia. It can start with balancing the ratio of teachers and students, increasing investment in education, and uniformity of the curriculum. It will surely take Indonesia time to go through certain processes before it can improve its literacy achievements. However, with active contributions from all stakeholders in the education sector, these ideals are not impossible to achieve.
As a provider of integrated solutions for educational institutions, Mentari Group also pays great attention to literacy skills in early childhood. For this reason, through one of its business units called ASTA Ilmu Publishing, Mentari Group has published an Indonesian language textbook series titled “Menjadi Indonesia” (Becoming Indonesian) which aims to encourage children to hone their imagination. Using a storytelling approach centring on the excitement of two character’s adventures, this book series is full of various kinds of knowledge that can be easily understood by children. In addition increasing reading interest, this approach is expected to be able to change the stigma of boredom that children sometimes express when they are invited to read, becoming a more enjoyable and likeable learning activity.
Mentari Group believes that the publishing of an educational book series, such as Menjadi Indonesia, has an important role in instilling a verbal culture in children from an early age. Knowledge and information that are attractively designed can build positive interactions between students and teachers. That way, reading activities not only become more fun, but also effective in building a critical mindset.
Through the publication of the book series “Menjadi Indonesia”, Mentari Group has once again shown its work in the Indonesian education sector. In line with the slogan “Build Education, Develop the Nation,” which involves an effort and collective goal of all educators in Indonesia, Mentari Group will continue to produce new advances towards the realisation of these noble ideals.
References:
- https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/pisa-2015-results-in-focus_aa9237e6-en#page1
- http://www.oecd.org/pisa/keyfindings/pisa-2012-results-overview.pdf
- https://www.bps.go.id/dynamictable/2018/07/24/1542/angka-melek-aksara-penduduk-umur-15-24-tahun-menurut-jenis-kelamin-2015-2016.html
- https://www.bbc.com/news/education-38212070
