The Department of English Education (DEE), FKIP Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), successfully organized a Visiting Professor Program on the Psychology of Education featuring Ms. Dianna Suzienna Mohammad Shah from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Malaysia. The program was conducted in three sessions on 13 November, 19 November, and 11 December 2025.
The visiting professor sessions were designed to enrich students’ and lecturers’ understanding of educational psychology, particularly in relation to inclusive education and learner diversity. Across the three meetings, Ms. Dianna delivered comprehensive and in-depth discussions that connected psychological theories with real classroom practices.
The first session focused on learners with exceptionalities and their types, introducing participants to various categories of learners with special educational needs. This foundation helped participants recognize the diversity of learners and the importance of inclusive perspectives in education.
In the second session, the discussion moved toward understanding learners with exceptionalities in the classroom. Participants explored practical strategies for identifying learners’ needs, creating supportive learning environments, and fostering positive teacher–student interactions. Special attention was given to emotional, behavioral, and autism spectrum disorders, highlighting their characteristics and implications for teaching and learning.
The final session emphasized the role of psychology in addressing learning difficulties. Ms. Dianna underscored the importance of matching educational theories to different learner types, stressing that appropriate theoretical frameworks can significantly enhance learning effectiveness and student well-being.
Through this Visiting Professor Program, DEE FKIP UMS strengthened its commitment to providing internationally informed academic experiences and promoting inclusive, learner-centered education. The program also contributed to broadening students’ global perspectives and deepening their understanding of psychological principles in educational contexts.