Ms. Evi, a Lecturer Who Continues to Adapt Amidst the Dynamics of the Times
Being a lecturer is not just a profession for Dr. Evi Novianti, S.Sos., M.Si., or more familiarly known as Bu Evi, but also a calling and a challenge in itself. From the beginning, Bu Evi has enjoyed the process of interacting with students who come from diverse backgrounds and characters. “Students today are smart, they can get information from various media. That is a challenge for me to continue to improve myself,” she said. For Bu Evi, teaching also means learning because from each class, there is always something new to be learned.
Long Journey in the Academic World
Ms. Evi’s journey in education began in 2000, when she became a permanent foundation lecturer at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at the Indonesian Computer University (UNIKOM). Previously, she taught at the Indonesian Institute of Economics and Business (STIE Indonesia Cermat). In 2003, she joined the Faculty of Communication Sciences at Padjadjaran University (Fikom Unpad), where she continues to serve.
Most Memorable Moments During Teaching
For Ms. Evi, the most memorable moments are seeing students achieve their dreams. “I feel so proud when I see students with high GPAs, graduating cum laude, or being active in organizations,” she said. Even simple moments like being greeted by former students or seeing them succeed in their careers are enough to move her.
Changes in Teaching Dynamics from Time to Time
Ms. Evi witnessed firsthand how the world of education had changed. “Students used to take notes by hand, and lecturers used overhead projectors for presentations. Now everything is digital,” she recalled. She now utilizes PowerPoint with attractive designs and platforms like LMSMOB and LIVE Unpad. Although the new system is quite complex, Ms. Evi sees many advantages, including the ease of monitoring student attendance and grades.
Previously, the method used was still lecturer-centered or Teacher-Centered Learning, where the lecturer mostly lectured. However, now, the approach is more varied, such as Student-Centered Learning, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Best Projects, and even role-playing and out-of-class learning activities. “Now, students don’t just sit and listen, but actively participate in their own creations,” he said.
Challenges in Teaching
Ms. Evi’s biggest challenge is keeping students engaged and honest in their learning. “How do I keep students from cheating, from falling asleep, and from thinking critically?” she said with a smile. She believes the key is understanding the characteristics of each class and creating a learning environment that isn’t monotonous.
Maintaining Motivation in the Midst of Developmental Times
The ever-changing knowledge and character of students motivates Ms. Evi. She adapts in unique ways, including through films. “Sometimes I connect films with theory to make learning more engaging,” she said. She also strives to understand current student trends, including clothing styles, language, and conversation topics. “To avoid culture shock, lecturers also have to adapt,” she added with a chuckle.
For Ms. Evi, every challenge in teaching is an opportunity to grow. “My greatest motivation comes from challenges. Because from them, I learn to continuously improve myself,” she concluded with a warm smile. (MA)
