National Seminar at MTBI UINSU: Dr. Erwin/Mrs. Endang (Kemenag Sumut), Prof. Tien (Dean), and Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, PhD (MTBI Head) Highlight the Future of Deep Learning in English Language Teaching

Seminar on Strengthening English Education Through Deep Learning

Medan, Indonesia – July 2, 2025 – The Alumni Association of the Master’s Program in English Education (MTBI), in collaboration with the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of North Sumatra, held a successful National Seminar on Education titled “Exploring Deep Learning in English Language Teaching”. The event was conducted online and hosted by the MTBI of Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training (FITK) at UIN Sumatera Utara.

The program began promptly at 2:00 PM WIB and concluded at 4:00 PM WIB with a collective prayer. The session was guided by Reflina, M.Pd., who also serves as the Secretary of the MTBI Program. She opened the event, welcomed all distinguished speakers and participants, and ensured the entire session flowed smoothly and respectfully.

• 

The event opened with a welcoming speech delivered by Focus Speaker Prof. Dr. Tien Rafida, M.Hum, Dean of FITK UINSU, encouraged deeper pedagogical transformation through digital literacy and innovation:

“Integrating deep learning into English education allows educators to build more meaningful, student-centered experiences that go beyond surface-level understanding.”

Prof. Dr. Tien Rafida, M.Hum.

• 

Next, welcoming speech delivered by Endang Mustikawati, S.E., who represented Dr. H. Erwin Pinayungan Dasopang, S.E., M.Si, Head of Islamic Education (Penmad) at the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs for North Sumatra. On behalf of Dr. Erwin, she expressed appreciation for the initiative and emphasized the importance of collaboration between alumni, institutions, and government bodies in advancing education.

“This event reflects a shared commitment to improving the quality of English education in Islamic higher education. When stakeholders from different sectors come together, academia, alumni, and government, we create momentum for real educational progress, especially through innovations like deep learning.”

Endang Mustikawati, S.E.,

• 

The committee also extended their sincere gratitude to Dr. H. Erwin Pinayungan Dasopang for his continuous support and for providing the opportunity to make this meaningful collaboration possible.

The keynote speaker, Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, M.Hum., Ph.D, Head of the MTBI Program and an alumnus of Charles Sturt University, Sydney, Australia, delivered a comprehensive presentation that explored deep learning from both conceptual and practical perspectives in the context of English education. He emphasized that deep learning should be understood not only as a cognitive process but also as a pedagogical commitment to student growth and meaningful communication.

“Deep learning challenges us to move away from passive consumption of knowledge. In language teaching, it means designing learning experiences where students think critically, reflect deeply, and communicate effectively. It’s not just about learning English, it’s about learning how to learn in English.”

Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, M.Hum., Ph.D.

• 

Maslathif, Ph.D also expressed deep appreciation for the successful collaboration behind the seminar. He commended the synergy between the alumni association, the faculty leadership, and the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of North Sumatra. According to him, such partnerships are essential in cultivating academic dialogue, promoting innovation, and building a learning community that supports lifelong development.

“This seminar is a powerful example of what we can achieve when institutions, alumni, and the government come together for a shared purpose. I believe this kind of collaboration should continue and be expanded, because empowering educators means empowering the future.”

Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, M.Hum., Ph.D.

He also reiterated the commitment of the MTBI Program to support not only academic excellence but also the professional advancement of its alumni through ongoing programs, research, and open platforms for knowledge exchange.

• 

Joining as a speaker was Prof. Rahmah Fitriharni, M.Hum., Ph.D, a faculty member of MTBI and alumna of the University of New Mexico, USA. She emphasized the value of cross-cultural insight in language education:

“Deep learning gives students the opportunity to connect language with context, culture, and cognition, an essential foundation for mastering English in today’s global world.”

Prof. Rahmah Fitriharni, M.Hum., Ph.D.

• 

The event was moderated by Hotma Bertu, M.Pd, a proud alumna of MTBI FITK UINSU, and included remarks from Murah Harfani Batubara, M.Pd, Chair of the MTBI Alumni Association, who also expressed her pride in the proactive role of alumni in academic initiatives.

• 

Participants who joined the session via Zoom received certificates free of charge. The event highlighted the growing synergy between alumni, faculty, and educational institutions to support transformative English education in Indonesia.

• 

• 

• 

• 

•