Yogyakarta – The English Literature Department at UIN Sunan Kalijaga has introduced an innovative approach to learning assessment. The Final Semester Exam (UAS) for theEssential English Skillscourse was conducted as aclass meeting mini drama, held over two days on Thursday and Friday, December 18–19, 2025.

The activity involved students from classes A, B, D, and the International Undergraduate Program (IUP), all in their first semester, and took place in theTheatrical Hall of the UIN Sunan Kalijaga Language Center. The final exam was also attended by the course instructors, including theHead of the English Literature Department, who observed the students’ performances firsthand and assessed the learning process.

A total of20 groups performed over the two days. Each group presented an English-language mini drama adapted from variousIndonesian folktales and popular international stories. Among the stories performed wereBawang Merah Bawang Putih,Roro Jonggrang,Malin Kundang,The Legend of Lake Toba,Alice in Wonderland,Little Red Riding Hood,Snow White, and several other tales—each interpreted creatively by the students.

In each performance, students not only emphasized communicative English use but also focused on dramatic elements such ascharacter immersion, expression, teamwork, and the use of props and costumes. This created alively and engaging performance atmosphere, demonstrating the students’ serious preparation for the final exam.

Holding the final exam in the form of a mini drama aims tomeasure students’ ability to apply English skills contextually and practically. Additionally, the activity buildsconfidence, creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative skills—key competencies in language and literature education.

Through thismini drama class meeting, the English Literature Department reaffirms its commitment to providinginnovative, applicable, and soft skills-oriented evaluation methods. It is hoped that this experience will provide valuable preparation for students in developing balanced academic and non-academic abilities. (DPF/HFS/URS)