SEAMEO QITEP in Mathematics (SEAQiM) successfully conducted first Regular Course in 2025, entitled Regular Course on Joyful Learning in Mathematics Education for Primary School Teachers, from 22 July to 4 August 2025.
Participated in by 30 primary school teachers from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, the two-week program was held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, with the aim of enhancing teaching effectiveness by promoting engaging, joyful, and meaningful learning experiences in mathematics.
The course focused on integrating joyful learning approaches into primary mathematics education, covering innovative topics such as the use of physical and virtual manipulatives, teaching mathematics through games and art, alternative assessments, and integrative STEM approaches.
Inspiring Sessions by Experts
The course featured a distinguished lineup of facilitators and experts in mathematics education, including:
- Dr. Farida Nurhasanah (Sebelas Maret University) – delivered insightful sessions on joyful learning principles and instructional strategies;
- Dr. Ng Kit Ee Dawn (National Institute of Education, Singapore) – shared effective methods for differentiated instruction and alternative assessments;
- Wiworo (BBGTK-DIY) – guided participants in exploring manipulatives and integrating mathematics with art;
- Dr. rer. nat. Adi Nur Cahyono (Semarang State University) and Aan Hendroanto (Ahmad Dahlan University) – introduced outdoor mathematics and problem-solving strategies;
- Nurina Ayuningtyas (Universitas PGRI Delta Sidoarjo) – emphasized mathematical literacy in joyful learning;
- Puji Iryanti (SEAQiM) – introduced SEAMEO and provided updates on current trends in mathematics education;
- SEAQiM Academic Team (Bungkus Dias Prasetyo, Gusnandar Yoga Utama, and Wisnuningtyas Wirani) – facilitated intensive sessions on lesson planning, peer teaching, and real classroom implementation.
Real Teaching Practice at SDN 1 Keputran Yogyakarta
A highlight of the course was the real-teaching activity on 1 August 2025 at SDN 1 Keputran Yogyakarta, where participants applied their learning in a live classroom setting. Guided by the SEAQiM academic team, participants taught primary school students using collaboratively developed lesson plans.
The 30 participants were divided into six groups, with one model teacher from each group leading a class. All groups had the opportunity to teach Grades 4, 5, and 6 students. This immersive experience enabled teachers to test their strategies in real time and engage in meaningful reflection and feedback sessions to refine their practice.
Cultural Show to Celebrate Diversity
Before the closing ceremony, participants enjoyed a vibrant Culture Show Performance, showcasing traditional dances, music, and cultural presentations from their respective countries. This celebration strengthened cultural exchange, built camaraderie, and embodied SEAMEO’s spirit of unity in diversity.
Towards Sustainable Impact
In the final sessions, participants designed individual action plans to implement joyful learning strategies in their respective schools.
The course concluded with a closing ceremony on 4 August 2025, where participants shared their reflections, received certificates of completion, and expressed their commitment to transforming mathematics classrooms into joyful spaces for learners.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Sri Wulandari Danoebroto, Director of SEAQiM, expressed her appreciation to the facilitators, participants, and committee, emphasizing that this program reaffirmed SEAQiM’s commitment to empowering mathematics educators across the region. By equipping teachers with innovative approaches and meaningful practices, SEAQiM continues to play a pivotal role in improving the quality of mathematics education in Southeast Asia.
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