The Physics Education Study Program, Faculty of Education and Teacher Training (FITK), UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, once again organized a Physics Laboratory Practicum Assistant Training as part of its efforts to strengthen students’ academic competencies and laboratory professionalism. The activity was specifically intended for students who had been selected as prospective practicum assistants for laboratory courses, including Basic Physics Practicum II, Electronics, and Optical Waves, in the current semester.

The training aimed to equip participants with technical skills in operating laboratory equipment, an understanding of laboratory safety procedures, and the development of responsibility and professional ethics as practicum assistants. The training materials included explanations of experimental procedures, guidance on assisting practicum sessions, report preparation, and strategies for effective communication between assistants, lecturers, and students.

The activity was conducted in person on February 28 and March 7 at the Physics Laboratory of UIN Sunan Kalijaga. It involved three lecturers, three laboratory technicians (Basic Physics II, Electronics, and Optical Waves), and 26 students from the 2023 and 2024 cohorts who had been selected as prospective laboratory assistants. The lecturers involved were Drs. Nur Untoro, M.Si. (Electronics), Nira Nurwulandari, M.Pd. (Basic Physics Practicum II), and Rachmad Resmiyanto, S.Si., M.Sc. (Optical Waves). The laboratory technicians included Win Indra G, S.Si. (Electronics Laboratory), Ashim Septiansah, S.Si. (Basic Physics II Laboratory), and Agung Nugroho, M.Sc. (Optical Waves Laboratory). The training also included hands-on practicum simulations as part of the technical preparation and evaluation of participants’ readiness.

In her opening remarks, the lecturer responsible for Basic Physics Practicum II emphasized the importance of the training as an initial step in shaping assistants who are not only academically competent but also disciplined and professional. “The quality of practicum implementation is strongly influenced by the readiness of the assistants. This training is an important step to ensure that each assistant fully understands their roles and responsibilities,” she stated.

Participants demonstrated high enthusiasm throughout the training sessions. The activity documentation reflected a dynamic and engaging learning atmosphere, from theoretical presentations to hands-on practice. The program concluded with a final evaluation session.

Through this training, the Physics Education Study Program hopes that the laboratory assistants will actively contribute to creating an educational, orderly, and inspiring practicum environment. This activity also represents the program’s commitment to preparing future physics educators who are competent and ready to face the challenges of the evolving educational landscape.