FMIPA USU PR - The Undergraduate Program in Biology at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) organized a workshop entitled “Project-Based Learning and Case Method in the Field of Biology.” The event was attended by the Vice Dean I of FMIPA USU, the Head of the Undergraduate Program in Biology, and faculty members, and was successfully held on Monday, June 23, 2025, in the Multipurpose Room, 1st Floor of FMIPA USU. The workshop featured a resource person from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Dr. Rini Solihat, M.Si. The goal of the workshop was to enhance teaching quality in line with the Regulation of the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology No. 53 of 2023, focusing on Graduate Competency Standards.

In her remarks, the Vice Dean I of FMIPA USU, Dr. Cut Fatimah Zuhra, S.Si., M.Si., emphasized the importance of these learning methods in achieving the Main Performance Indicators of State Universities (IKU-PTN), especially IKU 7, which is about Collaborative and Participatory Classes. IKU 7 requires at least 50% of classes to utilize case-based and project-based methods. “Project-Based Learning and Case Method certainly support IKU 7, but the goal is not only to achieve this requirement but also to foster meaningful interaction between lecturers and students in the classroom,” she stated.

On the same occasion, the Head of the Institute of Curriculum and Learning Innovation and a lecturer in the Undergraduate Program in Biology, Prof. Dr. Dwi Suryanto, M.Sc., delivered an opening remark. He expressed the hope that through this training, participants can design learning methods utilizing both approaches effectively. The Case Method is a participatory learning approach based on discussions to solve cases or problems. Its implementation helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Meanwhile, Project-Based Learning is a teaching model that aims to build students’ soft skills for tackling complex real-world problems.

The training featured Dr. Rini Solihat, M.Si., from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, who delivered materials on the development of lesson plans using the Case Method, the steps of Project-Based Learning, and how to implement both methods for students. The Case Method and Project-Based Learning approaches are expected to enable students to become more creative, innovative, and adept at critical thinking.

HUMAS FMIPA