In April, ETA Jackson Harris collaborated with SMKN 1 Kokap English Club students to visit English classes at SMPN 1 Kokap and SMPN 2 Kokap, expanding English learning beyond the vocational school setting. Although originally developed as a community engagement initiative, the visits focused on interactive, classroom-based learning designed to build confidence among younger students.

Together, Jackson and his students led lessons on simple greetings and expressing likes and dislikes related to food and drink. SMP students practiced speaking in pairs before sharing their responses aloud, creating a supportive environment that encouraged active participation and increased confidence in using English. The involvement of SMK students as peer mentors also fostered leadership and collaboration, while making English feel more approachable and relevant.

Each session concluded with a lively trivia game, which is one of Jackson’s favorite classroom activities from the United States. The trivia featured categories such as animals and fruits, where students identified vocabulary based on images. This activity reinforced learning in an engaging and memorable way.

In recognition of America250, Jackson briefly introduced students to American classroom culture and interactive learning styles, highlighting how games and participation are commonly used to support language development. These visits supported the Fulbright ETA program’s goals of promoting English proficiency, cultural exchange, and community-based learning across Kokap.

Jackson Harris is currently teaching at SMKN 1 Kokap, Yogyakarta.