In a significant step toward improving mathematics education in Southeast Asia, SEAQiM again shows its contribution to enhancing educators’ quality. This opportunity, SEAQiM collaborated with MGMP Matematika Semarang Regency and successfully organized an In-Country Course on Differentiated Instruction in Mathematics Education for Junior High School Mathematics Teachers. Thirty (30) junior high school mathematics teachers have gathered for an intensive one-week course on 2-6 October 2023, on-site at SMP Negeri 2 Tuntang, Salatiga, Semarang Regency. This in-country course aims to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to better cater to the diverse learning needs of their respective students.
This course engaged teachers to experience various activities, such as strategies for differentiating content in mathematics classrooms, using ICT for differentiated instruction, inclusive teaching in mathematics classrooms, assessment in differentiated instruction, and enriched with mathematics and games with attractive hands-on activities. The course features a blend of lectures, workshops, group discussions, and practical activities to ensure participants gain hands-on experience in implementing differentiated instruction. Dr. Sumardyono, Director of SEAQiM, accompanied by SEAQiM Specialists, served as facilitators, sharing their knowledge and insights with the participants. The skills and knowledge gained by participants during this program will undoubtedly have a profound and positive impact on the nation’s education landscape.
Mr Sukaton Purtomo Priyatmo, S.H., M.M., Head of the Department of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Semarang Regency, underlined the importance of differentiated learning as a current issue in education, in line with the launch of the Kurikulum Merdeka. “This collaboration between the Semarang Regency Education and Culture Office and SEAQiM is the third time after holding two In-Country Course activities in 2020 under the themes of STEM and ICT. This activity is beneficial for increasing teacher professionalism in improving teaching and classroom management skills. We hope that this activity will continue to be held every year, so there will be more opportunities for junior high school mathematics teachers in Semarang Regency to learn with SEAQiM.”, he said in his remark. Also attending as invitees, Mr. Budi Utomo, S.H., M.T. (Kasi PTK SMP, Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Semarang Regency), Mr. Asep Mintarto, M.Pd. (Semarang Regency Mathematics Subject Supervisor), Mrs. Sri Mulyati, S.Pd., M.Pd. (Supervisor of MGMP Mathematics Semarang Regency), Mr. Purnomo, S.Pd. (Principal of SMP Negeri 2 Tuntang).
This differentiated learning accommodates students’ differences as individuals in very diverse learning. Hence, they have the same opportunity to achieve learning success. Thus, teachers need to continue learning to be able to provide effective mathematics learning and be able to provide opportunities for all diverse students through appropriate learning strategies.
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