RESOURCE BASED LEARNING METHOD W R I T T E N BY: RUSMAN BUTAR BUTAR “PRODEO ET PATRIA” PEMATANGSIANTAR 2017 0

RESOURCE BASED LEARNING METHOD A. What is meant by Resource Based Learning? Resource Based Learning Method is a method of teaching where students use it as the way of learning by using many sources for collecting information to solve problems of their learning. It is an interesting method because students do not stuck on one source of learning; teacher, but they can freely use as much sources of learning such as library, teachers around the school, school mates, internet, articles, journals, as they can reach. Westwood (2008:35) explained that Resource Based Learning Method is usually described as a methodology that allows students to learn from their own active processing of information using a range of authentic resources. Students learn effective skills for using library catalogues, making electronic searches, using CD-ROMs, making telephone calls to seek information, conducting interviews, sending and receiving emails, and writing letters. These skills are valuable for autonomous learning. Some of the skills may need to be taught initially by more direct forms of instruction. This method is suited to most areas of the school curriculum. One of its primary goals is to foster students’ autonomy in learning by providing opportunities for them to work individually or collaboratively while using appropriate resources and applying relevant literacy, numeracy and study skills to explore interesting topics. Besides that, Nasution (2009:29), Resource Based Learning is the way of learning with variety of types of learning and kinds of learning styles. Teaching components in this method includes teaching directly by the teacher, the usage of 1

ordinary books, formal practices, and also research activity, seeking of material from various sources, practice solving problems, and the usage of audiovisual equipments.

B. Characteristic of Resource Based Learning Method Each method has its own characteristics and so does this method. As stated by Westwood (2008:35), Resource Based Learning Method has some characteristics, namely: a. In Resource Based Learning Method, the students use books. b. Students use the community publications, reports, videos, DVDs, online material. c. Students use human resources to obtain information relating to a chosen or set topic that they must collate. d. Students analyze critique and consolidate into an appropriate form for presentation.

C. Advantages of Resource Based Learning Method Westwood (2008:35-36) determined some advantages of using Resource Based Learning Method. They are: 1. Most students find the method motivating because it involves active participation, hands-on materials, and opportunities to make personal choices. 2. The method is believed to deepen understanding of subject matter. 3. It encourages self-directed learning.

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4. Independent use of research skills is facilitated and strengthened. 5. The study skills acquired will be transferable to other areas of the curriculum. 6. Time on task is increased, compared to traditional teaching methods. 7. Students ‘attitude toward reading for information improves, and they appreciate the value of a library, computer and resource room. 8. While students are using resources, the teacher is able to circulate during the lesson to help or support individual students as required. 9. Resource based activities can be used for follow-up and application after students have been motivated and introduced to a new topic by more direct instructional means.

D. Disadvantages of Resource Based Learning Method Beside the advantages of Resource Based Learning Method, Westwood (2008:36) also determined some disadvantages or difficulties associated with Resource Based Learning Method. They are: 1. Resource Based Learning Method generally requires a resource-rich learning environment, including easy access to computers. 2. Effective engagement in researching a topic depends on students having adequate literacy, numeracy and independent study skills. 3. Some students will learn little from this method if they lack the prerequisite knowledge for interpreting the new information they obtain. 4. Not all teachers are good at collecting or creating the necessary resources, sometimes resulting in poor quality outcomes.

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5. Teachers may not monitor activities effectively, so are not able to give encouragement and support that is frequently needed by learners.

E. Procedures of Using Resource Based Learning Method In the learning of Resource Based Learning Method, there are several things that should be considered (Nasution, 2009:30). They are: a. Prior knowledge It deals with the understanding of teacher about the background of his/her students and the understanding of students about learning materials. b. Learning objectives Here, teacher should consider clearly about the learning objectives that should be mastered with that learning activity. This is not only discussing about the learning objectives but also the skills and the goal of emotion and social. These objectives consider the method that should be used in that learning activity. c. Choosing methodology Teaching method is greatly determined by the learning objectives. Basically, method includes some substances below: 1. Explanation about what should be learnt. 2. Discussion and changing ideas. 3. Activities that use several of instructional aids, laboratory, and so on. 4. Activities outdoor school such as visiting, field-work, exploration, and a research.

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d. Collection and goods supply Here, teacher should know the collection of school’s goods and the goods supply. e. Place supply All activity should be done in a certain place. So, the procedures of doing Resource Based Learning Method are as following: 1. Identifying questions and problems This is the most important step in this method because after students are capable generating questions, the students will be guided to determine needed information to answer those questions. 2. Students planning the ways to search information. Here, students are facilitated to identify potential sources of information together with how to collect that information, whether it is by reading books, browsing internet, library research, or interview, and etc. 3. Synthesize information. Here, students are guided to organize that information into the systematic arrangement, logic, and enable to be comprehended swiftly and correctly by other students. Then, students are instructed to plan a good presentation related to the result of the systematic arrangement. 4. Evaluating. In this case, teacher together with students evaluate information that has been presented.

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REFERENCES Nasution, S., 2009. Berbagai Pendekatan dalam Proses Belajar Mengajar. Jakarta: Bumi Aksara Westwood, Peter. 2008. What Teachers Need to Know About Teaching Methods. Victoria: Acer Press

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