TRACER STUDY PADA PROGRAM STUDI S1 AGRIBISNIS FMIPA-UNIVERSITAS TERBUKA

Abstract

A tracer study is intended to know the success of educational process of graduates. The purposes of this study is to describe: (1) the profile of graduates, (2) their learning experience, (3) the quality of their performance, competence and competitiveness, (4) their satisfactionwhen study at Universitas Terbuka (UT), (5) their willingness for further studies, (6) stakeholders perceptions on graduate, and (7) their participation on UT Alumni Association. This study was conducted by a survey of 124 respondents, through questionnaires and interviews. Data were analyzed descriptively and presented in the form of tabulated frequencies and percentages. The findings indicated that most respondents have educational background on high school level, GPA below 2.75, with study duration of 8 years, as well as following the lessons at UT for affordability and convenience in carrying out their work. In terms of learning experience , learning material was considered sufficient to provide empirical and practical knowledge. Study at UT was considered as capable of increasing independence and improving skills in applying theory and communication. In the aspect of quality of performance, most stated that they have responsibilities in doing their tasks. Majority considered that their competence was increased, except in using the Internet and foreign language. In the aspect of competitiveness, they claimed a similar quality with other college graduates. Their satisfaction of UT service was considered as good , particularly on credit transfer service and Program Final Task (TAP). Their willingness for further studies was low, but high in attending training activities. The manager considered their learning experience, performance, competencies and competitiveness was good, and stated that their study result had quite impact on their career development . The communication among UT alumni wass still low due to the ineffectiveness of UT alumni association.

Tracer study merupakan studi penelusuran terhadap lulusan suatu perguruan tinggi untuk mengetahui keberhasilan proses pendidikan yang telah dilakukan. Tujuan tracer study Program Studi (PS) Agribisnis adalah untuk mendeskripsikan: (1) profil lulusan, (2) pengalaman belajar lulusan, (3) kualitas kinerja, kompetensi dan daya saing lulusan, (4) kepuasan lulusan terhadap sistem belajar di Universitas Terbuka (UT), (5) keinginan lulusan untuk studi lanjut, (6) penilaian stakeholders terhadap lulusan, dan (7) partisipasi lulusan dalam Ikatan Alumni (IKA) UT. Penelitian tracer study dilakukan dengan metode survey terhadap 124 responden, melalui kuesioner dan wawancara. Data dianalisis secara deskriptif, dan disajikan dalam bentuk tabulasi frekuensi dan persentase. Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan bahwa sebagian besar responden berlatar belakang pendidikan setingkat SLTA, memiliki IPK di bawah 2,75, dengan lama studi 8 tahun, dan mengikuti pembelajaran di UT dengan alasan keterjangkauan biaya dan kemudahan dalam menjalankan pekerjaan. Terkait pengalaman belajar, materi perkuliahan dianggap cukup memberikan pengetahuan empiris dan bersifat praktis. Belajar di UT dianggap mampu memupuk kemandirian serta mengasah keterampilan dalam menerapkan teori dan berkomunikasi. Pada aspek kualitas kinerja, sebagian besar responden menyatakan memiliki tanggung jawab yang baik dalam mengerjakan tugas. Pada aspek kompetensi, sebagian besar responden merasa mengalami peningkatan kompetensi setelah lulus kuliah di UT, kecuali dalam menggunakan internet dan berbahasa asing. Pada aspek daya saing, lulusan mengaku memiliki kualitas yang tidak kalah dengan lulusan perguruan tinggi lain. Kepuasan responden terhadap layanan UT bernilai baik, terutama pada layanan alih kredit dan Tugas Akhir Program (TAP). Keinginan lulusan untuk studi lanjut tergolong rendah, namun untuk mengikuti kegiatan pelatihan tergolong tinggi. Atasan menilai baik terhadap aspek pengalaman belajar, kinerja, kompetensi dan daya saing lulusan. Menurut atasan, hasil studi yang ditempuh lulusan cukup berdampak pada pengembangan karir lulusan di tempat kerja. Adapun komunikasi antar alumni UT masih rendah karena tidak efektifnya keberadaan IKA UT di daerah serta kurangnya pertemuan bersama rekan sesama alumni.