Soft Skill Training: Data Collection Techniques & Writing Sources

November 30, 2022 - The International Organization Study Student Group (KOIN) held a journalistic soft skill training with the topic "Data Collection Techniques and Writing Sources." This activity was held offline, at the International Organization laboratory and was guided by Mrs. Desy Nur Aini Fajri, S.IP, M.A, the head of the laboratory and also the trainer for the training. The main purpose of this activity was to provide new insights to all KOIN members regarding tips and tricks in collecting data and easy ways to write sources – data sources to be included in academic writings such as journals, theses, or non-academic writings such as opinions. In general, these data collection techniques are used by researchers to gather data or information based on supporting facts. Additionally, writing scientifically based articles requires us to present valid data sources, hence the necessity of source writing in academic writing to test the validity of a statement.

The training activity was opened by Benhard from the education division, as the moderator, by giving a brief introduction about the trainer and the purpose of the activity, then the control of the activity was directly handed over to the trainer, Mrs. Desy. There were three problem formulations that became the basis for the trainer, namely the basic definition of data collection techniques and source writing, how to collect data, and how to write sources for the bibliography or references list. The Training Material began with an overview introduction to the research chart consisting of writing types (explanatory, descriptive, exploratory), research approach (inductive/deductive), and research design (qualitative/quantitative/mix method). The presentation then continued by focusing on understanding the structure of the paper from the introduction to determining the method, design, and type of research to be applied. The material presentation continued by explaining how to write a good abstract and explaining the overall content. As for the technique of searching for data sources, Mrs. Desy gave tips on how to easily obtain them by visiting free journal sites on the internet including Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect.

After obtaining the desired journals or papers, the training continued with direct step-by-step practice using Mendeley software on each participant's laptop regarding citation techniques and writing reference lists. The activity on this occasion went smoothly and the participants were very enthusiastic in following the guidelines provided by the trainer. After finishing the practice, the moderator thanked the trainer to conclude the activity. Participants and the trainer then took a photo together as part of the documentation session.