In conducting our teaching-learning process, we adapt the strategies developed by Center for Innovation and Academic Assessment (PIKA) Universitas Gadjah Mada, which is implementing a modification of Student-Centered Learning (SCL) called Student-Teacher Aesthetic Role-sharing (STAR), or also known as SCL Plus. STAR is the characteristic of Universitas Gadjah Mada in carrying out Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi (Three Pillars of Higher Education) by combining latest teaching and learning strategies with local wisdom from Ki Hajar Dewantara (1889-1959) which is known as Trilogy Patrap Triloka- Ing Ngarsa Sung Tuladha, Ing Madya Mangun Karsa, Tut Wuri Handayani. By this educational philosophy, teachers no longer act as the main source of information in learning processes, but more of a facilitator and learning partner for students. Ing ngarsa sung tuladha means that educators need to be a role model for their students, both when they are with students and when they are not in the midst of students. Ing madya mangun karsa means that educators behave as learning partners who are sensitive, active, dynamic, and responsive to all changes that occur in the learning process, especially those related to the situations and needs of students. Tut Wuri Andayani means that educators are ready to support and guide students in the ongoing educational process.
STAR is designed to accommodate a more conducive learning environment for both lecturers and students. The application of STAR in the learning process is expected to increase the intensity of the relationship / academic atmosphere, which is tighter and more harmonious between lecturers and students. Increasing the intensity of comfortable communication between lecturers and students will lead to the educational process’s effectiveness.
In Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies, STAR was elaborated with STAR-ARBU to accommodate the needs of analyzing artistic phenomena. STAR-ARBU consists of the uniqueness of Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies, which includes
(1) A means arts: Performing arts and visual arts (The change of specific interests, such as dance, music, theater, painting, fine arts, film, photography, etc .) into performing arts and visual arts);
(2) R means research that is multi and interdisciplinary;
(3) B means beyond paradigm; and
(4) U means up to date where Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies offers performance studies and visual culture.
Various teaching and learning methods and strategies are combined to implement STAR-ARBU within course activities: interactive lectures, small group discussions, problem-based learning, case-based learning, practical exercises, and others. These strategies encourage students to develop their skills to become self-directed, critical thinking, team working, and life-long learning.
The teaching learning methods is built on the principles of active-constructive learning and some field activities, reflection, implementation of prior knowledge, and critical studies about arts and beyond. The learning process is a cycle of reflection (about what phenomena has happened), ideas, cultural action, and dissemination (with presentation and papers writing). The Problem-Based Learning and Case-based Learning and other STAR method is an option that can be used to support STAR activities because the use of problems in the learning process can trigger student curiosity so that it will lead them to be able to solve problems by providing a definition of the problem and determining the information that has been collected or is being sought. In this way, students will try to relate their information and determine the topics they will study further. Self-directed Learning positions students as the millennial generation who are aware of digital technology to take advantage of online learning resources on various websites, journal databases, and online or offline forums. These three models are then derived in the form of student participation in class, responding to papers, presentations, discussions, and writing papers, supported by lecturers who understand the needs of students related to current art developments. These models of learning are designed and carried out with the aim of achieving graduate competencies that are expected to be in accordance with the benefits that can be obtained from each subject. Likewise, outside the classroom, learning methods by visiting various historic sites, museums, art exhibitions and performances are conducted to each lecture, so that the studies carried out are connected to the reality that occurs in the community as a field of student progress after graduation later. Students begin to be introduced to integrated research in the courses offered. In the second semester, students are given the opportunity to choose a focus field of study in the form of courses that are in line with their thesis research.