Fakultas Psikologi UGM Kembangkan Tes untuk Deteksi Potensi Anak
Fakultas Psikologi UGM Kembangkan Tes untuk Deteksi Potensi Anak
Faculty of Psychology UGM has developed measurement tools for cognitive abilities named as Tes Kognitif AJT to detect the potential of children since early age. After being developed for five years, the test is expected to maximise the child growth depending on their own excellence.
“This test can reveal the abilities of each child, to know where they excel so that they may grow optimally in line with their expertise,” said Project Manager of Tes AJT, Dra. Retno Suhapti, S.U., M.A. in a press conference on Wednesday (4/4).
Retno explained the psychology test (IQ test) used in Indonesia is still limited to the ones from abroad, thus not taking into account Indonesian culture.
Therefore, in developing the Tes AJT, the experts have used the Indonesian background and involved as many as 5,000 children as respondents. This would increase the validity of interpretation to the scores of the measurement, she said.
“The questions are designed based on Indonesian experiences, using popular examples happening in Indonesia, not the ones unfamiliar to them,” she added.
The UGM Psychology lecturers developed the tools with Yayasan Dharma Bermakna and PT Melintas Cakrawala Indonesia.
Representatives from the foundation, Ir. Abi Jabar, MBA., said the idea to design the test was from the family of George Tahija who found that measurement methods applied in several countries can actually help children that find difficulty in learning.
“He thought why Indonesia did not have such method. When we wanted to design this project, we saw UGM as the one most promising, so in 2013 we signed an MoU and started this project,” he said.
Apart from the different approach, Tes AJT uses more comprehensive assessment components to describe the child’s cognitive abilities in more details. He said this would help them to identify their talent and interest as well as self-confidence.
“Many children feel they are not smart enough that they finally drop out. This is because the school system does not encourage them to know their point of excellence,” he said.
Kevin S. McGrew, Ph.D, expert of Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory, consultant for the tool designs, said the test was designed on a strong theoretical grounds, praising it as very comprehensive.
“This is a test which is most comprehensive that is able to assess one’s abilities well. As an academician, I can tell that this is world class,” he said.
Dean of Faculty of Psychology UGM, Prof. Dr. Faturochman, MA., said the test was expected to be a form of roles of the Faculty to the development of psychology science and to give qualified and accurate psychology services to society.
“The test was expected to give contribution to the development of cognitive assessment at national or global levels,” he said.