The Doctoral Program in Education at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), has marked a historic milestone by holding its first closed dissertation defense since the establishment of the program.
The examination, held on Friday, November 6, 2026, featured the program's first doctoral candidate, Tgk. Maya Silviyanti (Student ID: 2306306010001), who successfully passed after defending her dissertation before the examination committee.
The closed dissertation defense was chaired by Dr. Sanusi, M.Si., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of FKIP USK, who represented the Dean of FKIP USK. The presence of the faculty leadership demonstrated the institution's support for doctoral education and its commitment to strengthening academic quality within FKIP USK.
The dissertation, entitled "Integrating VOKI into Collaborative Avatar Video Storytelling to Enhance Speaking Skill and Explore Students' Engagement, Responses and Challenges (A Mixed-Method Study at SMPIK Nurul Qur'an Aceh Besar)," examines the integration of VOKI digital technology into English language learning, particularly through collaborative avatar-based storytelling activities designed to improve students' speaking skills.
The study also explores students' engagement, responses, and challenges throughout the learning process at SMPIK Nurul Qur'an Aceh Besar.
Maya's academic achievement is further highlighted by the publication of her research article in the TEFLIN Journal, an internationally reputable academic journal indexed in the Q1 quartile. This publication demonstrates the ability of doctoral students at FKIP USK to produce scholarly research that gains recognition at the international level.
The dissertation defense was examined by four distinguished academics: Prof. Dr. Burhanuddin Yasin, M.Ed.; Prof. Dr. Asnawi, M.Ed.; Prof. Dr. Mailizar, M.Ed.; and Dr. Revathi Gopal from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia, who served as the external examiner. The participation of an international examiner from UPSI provided valuable international academic perspectives and strengthened opportunities for scholarly exchange between USK and its international university partners.
Throughout the dissertation research process, Maya was supervised by a team consisting of Prof. Dr. Yunisrina Qismullah Yusuf, S.Pd., M.Ling., as Promotor; Prof. Dr. Sofyan, M.A., as Co-Promotor I; and Prof. Dr. Iskandar A.S., S.Pd., M.App.Ling., as Co-Promotor II.
The Head of the Doctoral Program in Education at FKIP USK, Dr. Sulastri, M.Si., stated that the successful completion of this first closed dissertation defense represents a significant milestone in the program's development. Maya's achievement is expected to inspire other doctoral students to conduct high-quality and innovative research that delivers meaningful contributions to educational development.
Furthermore, the Doctoral Program in Education at FKIP USK is committed to expanding its international collaborations through stronger academic networks, research partnerships, the involvement of experts from overseas universities, and joint scientific publications.
Looking ahead, the program will continue to encourage research that responds to technological developments, including the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technologies, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
As part of its ongoing development, the Doctoral Program in Education at FKIP USK has also opened admissions for new students every semester starting in 2026. This opportunity is available to academics, educators, education practitioners, and prospective researchers who wish to advance their academic qualifications and contribute through innovative research in the field of education.
The program welcomes prospective doctoral students who are passionate about advancing knowledge, conducting high-quality research, and developing educational innovations relevant to technological advancements and global challenges.
Through these initiatives, the Doctoral Program in Education at FKIP USK is expected to play an increasingly important role in fostering an educational ecosystem that adapts to changing times, enriching technology-based learning practices, and producing educational innovations with a meaningful impact on society and the wider education sector.
Source: KabarDaily.com
Original article: https://kabardaily.com/prodi-doktor-pendidikan-fkip-usk-gelar-sidang-tertutup-disertasi-pertama-promovendus-raih-kelulusan/