Science Heroes Ignite Learning Spirit in Bengkulu

In teaching and learning activities, teachers play a vital role as catalysts who spark students’ enthusiasm to explore knowledge. In Bengkulu, this spirit is embodied by teachers belonging to the Science Heroes community. They are innovating to ignite student enthusiasm in studying science through fresher and more interactive approaches.

One of the figures behind this movement is Linda Komalasiente, a Grade 1 teacher at SDN 61 Bengkulu City. Linda recognises the significant challenge in teaching early childhood education, namely boredom. According to her, conventional methods that rely solely on sitting, listening, and memorising often leave students’ eyes looking ‘empty’ and lacking enthusiasm.

Linda believes that primary school students need to be encouraged to see the world more broadly, beyond the classroom walls. She subsequently implemented a STEM-based approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to foster students’ curiosity. The method applied by Linda is simple yet effective; she takes her students out of the classroom to interact directly with nature.

“We walk around the school grounds, picking papaya, corn, mango, cassava, and betel leaves. They carry the leaves in their hands, then observe and seek to understand why the shapes of the leaves differ,” Linda explained.

Linda’s innovation and the Science Heroes community are inseparable from the role of PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) through the Sekolah Bakti BCA programme. This programme aims to improve the quality of education holistically by optimising the competence of educators. By 2025, this programme targets mentoring for dozens of schools in various regions of Indonesia.

EVP Corporate Communication and Social Responsibility of BCA, Hera F. Haryn, explained that this programme is directed towards ensuring schools possess excellence in character, science, and technology. “Children who are accustomed to thinking scientifically will be more resilient, adaptive, and empowered to face the future,” said Hera.

The presence of Sekolah Bakti BCA in Bengkulu not only produces innovative teachers like Linda but also revitalises the ‘Gelar Karya’ tradition. This exhibition serves as a platform for all school stakeholders to share inspiration and showcase creative learning outcomes.