In a significant collaboration, the Center for Research on International Cooperation in Educational Development (CRICED) at Tsukuba University Japan partnered with SEAMEO QITEP in Mathematics (SEAQiM), BBGP DI Yogyakarta, and SEAMEO QITEP in Language (SEAQiL), SEAMEO Regional Open Learning Center (SEAMOLEC) to organize an event aimed at “Enhancing the Competency of Elementary School Teachers through Mathematics Learning Lesson Study in DKI Jakarta, and in DI Yogyakarta on 24 and 25 August 2023.
Professor Masami Isoda from CRICED at Tsukuba University Japan played a pivotal role, bringing three Japanese teachers from Tsukuba University Elementary School: Natsusaka Satosi, Morimoto Takashi, and Ono Kei as resource persons for the event. These teachers led mathematics lessons for Indonesian elementary school students, thoughtfully selected by the organizing committee. Reski, the interpreter from SEAQiL supported the lessons to facilitate the teaching process. Additionally, Professor Masami Isoda and experts from SEAQiM shared insights on topics such as mathematical thinking and effective strategies for reading and utilizing mathematics textbooks. Notable participants included mover teachers, math teachers, and educational professionals specializing in mathematics.
This collaborative initiative stems from the partnership between CRICED and SEAQiM, which transpired during 2017-2018. During this period, SEAQiM joined forces with CRICED, the University of Tsukuba in Japan, and the Centre for Book Affairs of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (MoECRT) Indonesia to translate mathematics textbooks designed for primary and secondary levels. These textbooks, titled “Mathematics: Study with Your Friends” and published by Gakko Tosho, Japan, infused content and teaching methodologies grounded in Japan’s renowned problem-solving approach. These translated books are essential references endorsed by the MoECRT Indonesia for the Merdeka Curriculum implementation. As a direct outcome of this translation project, SEAQiM committed to conducting Lesson Study activities that capitalize on the Japanese problem-solving methodology for Indonesian educators.
The Lesson Study undertaking aimed to fulfill several vital objectives. It sought to augment participants’ comprehension and proficiency in teaching mathematics to grades 1 and 2, offer insights into how elementary educators in Japan approach mathematics teaching, enhance participants’ ability to engage with mathematics textbooks and cultivate pedagogical strategies that nurture students’ critical thinking and mathematical reasoning abilities.
On August 24, 2023 at Ruang Aula Lt. 2 Gedung D, Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi, Indonesia, under the title: “Peningkatan Kompetensi Guru SD melalui Lesson Study Pembelajaran Matematika”. Around 170 onsite participants (consisting of guru penggerak in the Jakarta area, teachers from the Emancipated Curriculum Implementation program in the Jakarta area, Teachers from the Mover School Program in the Jakarta area, Supervisors in the Jakarta area, Lesson Study Association); 172 online participants via Zoom and Youtube joined this session. The event was officially opened by Dr. Rachmadi Widdiharto (Direktur Guru Pendidikan Dasar), MoECRT, Republic of Indonesia. “I can say this activity rarely happens. Lesson Study has often been carried out in Indonesia, but for this event, model teachers are directly brought in from Japan and share their best practices with Indonesian teachers. Regarding the textbook “Mathematics: Studying with Your Friends”, this is a good opportunity for all attendees”, said Dr. Rachmadi in his remark.
The same event was conducted at the Ki Hajar Dewantara Hall of the Profesional Development Centre for Educators (BBGP) of D.I. Yogyakarta on August 25, 2023. Notable attendees included the Head of BBGP-DIY, the Director of SEAQiM, the Deputy Director for Administration SEAQiL, Professor Masami Isoda, and three distinguished teachers from Japan. The participating students hailed from the 1st and 2nd grades of SD N 1 Kentungan. Evidencing their enthusiasm, these students actively engaged with Japanese instructors and observers, both through virtual and physical participation, fostering an enriching and unforgettable experience. The event drew 200 teachers who eagerly joined in-person and virtual sessions. Dr. Sumardyono, the Director of SEAQiM, underscored his commitment to ongoing collaboration, expressing, “Our collaboration will intensify as we steadfastly support our educators in honing their competencies. While we initially envisioned sending Indonesian teachers to Japan, for various reasons, we welcomed three Japanese teachers to share their exemplary practices and implementations.”
With aspirations for future participation, all attendees anticipate events that will further enhance their teaching techniques and bring joy to mathematics education. SEAQiM and its stakeholders remain united in their unwavering support for the Merdeka Belajar initiative.
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