PARE Spring School 2021

In the beginning

Human civilization currently facing one of the worst crises that threaten its existence. Coronavirus is a dangerous disease that forces us to protect ourselves with wearing mask, and stay home, minimizing contact with outside world as best as possible. In the light of this movement restriction, we find solace by utilizing technology to enhance interaction and sharing knowledge. In the age of globalization, as a student, we can’t limit ourselves to only learn knowledge from the classroom. We have to embrace the forces of technology that providing unlimited source of knowledge.

On hybrid format

The spirit of freedom to learn is one of the main reasons to join the PARE School. Usually, this school is held on conventional method, students from different campuses are gathering in the classroom, learn from the teachers, and conducting field study. Sadly, because of the coronavirus, this was not possible to do. Students from consortium university are forced to join the school online from their home. Only students from host university that conducted classes at their campus.

Therefore, for the first time, PARE School was conducted on hybrid format, combination of online and offline method. It is very unique experience especially for myself who lacks knowledge of environmental science. Various topics is discussed in the school, such as the importance of peatland, water quality indicator, and many other topics. The teachers not only from university, but also social activist and government officials. Students divided into mixed groups from different campus, background, and nationality. It is very enjoyable experience, because after the teachers give lectures, every groups are tasked to answer the question from the lectures.

The discussion session

The discussion session in my opinion is the best value to join PARE School. As a group, students are free to express their argument to answer question with regard to their experience and knowledge. After discussing the topics, we must present our answer in the following session, and the teacher will provide short comments. In the discussion, sometimes we can only agree on one or two things, despite discussing many things. In my humble opinion, that is the value of this school, students are encourage to collaborate, express their opinion, and finding common ground despite many differences between them.

Site visiting

Besides lectures, the hallmark of the PARE School is the site visit session. Students at Hokkaido University are conducting the water sample test on various site to measure the water quality. The water sample is then analyzed with various methods. With the help of technology, our colleagues in Japan can sharing the data through online platform, and we can discuss it together. The final task of the school is the final presentation, where every group must present their analysis of the site visit and answer the case studies. It is a very challenging and fun, because every student presents their insights with respect to their knowledge and experience. My friend from Japan shares his thoughts about characteristic of river in Japan, another colleague tells her knowledge of water quality analysis, and friends from Indonesia explain her thoughts about creative solution to restore the water quality.

Overall

PARE School is very valuable experience to enjoy the taste of cross-culture collaboration, improving English skills, and making new friends. Thank you PARE School team for organizing the excellent event.