Implementation of Research-Based Learning Model at Indonesian Higher Education to Improve the Quality of Learning Process

Many Indonesian universities have a similar vision of becoming research-based universities or research universities, and one of the missions is to conduct research-based learning (RBL). The study explored to develop the ideal model for RBL through R&D design which involved (1) Research and Information Collecting, (2) Planning, (3) Developing Preliminary Product, (4) Preliminary Field Testing, (5) Main Product Revision, (6) Final Product Revision, (7) Dissemination and Implementation. The data were collected from 25 students and 5 lecturers of Tidar University by means of a questionnaire, and stuffing forms. Field notes were used to record constructive inputs for model development. Observation sheets were used to observe documents of planning, implementation, and evaluation of the learning process. Finally, interviews were conducted with all parties involved in planning, developing, testing and finalizing the model. All the data were then analyzed in accordance with R&D analytical procedures to come up with credibility, dependability, conformability, and transferability of the findings. It turns out that the model of RBL is effective and needs to be fully implemented. It is also recommended that all parties be committed to excellence in support of the new model implementation in Tidar University or elsewhere.