June 20, 2024 – The day marked the successful conclusion of the International Webinar on Mathematics in Culture, an event dedicated to exploring the significant impact of cultural contexts on mathematical appreciation and motivation. The webinar, titled “The Role of Culture to Increase Appreciation and Motivation to Learn Mathematics,” brought together mathematics and culture academics, educators, and enthusiasts from around the globe. This insightful online webinar gathered more than 1.000 participants from around the world, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Deutschland, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, North Cyprus, Philipines, Thailand, Saudia Arabia, Singapore, Timor Leste, and Lao PDR through Zoom meeting.
This event is a collaboration program between SEAQiM, SEAMEO CHAT, and The Education University of Hongkong, which can synergize to achieve each institution’s mathematics and cultural education mission, especially to promote the SMILE Campaign program initiated by SEAQiM.
The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including renowned Dr Zhang Qiaoping, an Assistant Professor of the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology from The Education University of Hongkong kicked off the webinar with his keynote address on Exploring Values and Valuing in Mathematics Teaching and Learning Across Cultures. Chaired by Dr Sri Wulandari Danoebroto, his presentation delved into the historical roots of mathematical concepts across different cultures that have shaped mathematical understanding and teaching methods.
Following Dr. Pyiet Phyo Kyaw from the Department of Archaeology, University of Yangon, Myanmar, presented Traces and Practices of Counting and Measurement. He emphasized the counting and measurement systems practices developed by the ancient culture of Bagan Kingdom, Myanmar. He discussed how integrating these historical perspectives into modern ones can enhance students’ interest and appreciation for mathematics. The session was lively and moderated by Dr. Naw Si Blut, the Acting Director of SEAMEO CHAT.
The last anticipated session was a Creative Mathematics, The Fusion of Mathematics, Art, and Culture session featuring Andonowati, Ph.D., the founder of ArtSociates Indonesia. She shared her experiences on how cultural contexts influence students’ attitudes towards mathematics. They explored innovative strategies to incorporate cultural elements into teaching practices to make mathematics more relatable and engaging for students. Led by Ms Nur Robiah Kusumawati Peni, PhD, from Ahmad Dahlan University, the session wrapped with the participants’ enthusiasm.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many appreciated the webinar’s holistic approach, which bridged the concept between cultural studies and mathematical education. Participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and innovative ideas to enhance their teaching practices and engage students more effectively.
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