Palu- SEAMEO Regional Centre for QITEP in Mathematics (SEAQiM) in collaboration with Tadulako University (Mathematics Education Study Programme) organised the in-country course on STEAM for Junior High School Math Teachers under the matching fund programme of the Ministry of Education Culture Research and Technology Republic of Indonesia. This programme was also fully supported by the education office of the Donggala regency. Thus, they were officially nominating the 20 junior high school mathematics teachers to participate in the five-day course located in Parama Su Hotel, Palu from 17 – 21 October 2022.
In the opening ceremony, Dr Mubarik, the chief programme from Tadulako University, expressed his gratitude and welcomed the SEAQiM team to his city, Palu. He later mentioned their appreciation for their first collaboration with such an international organisation as SEAQiM. Then the head of the education office, Mr H. Kasmuddin, SS., MM, told the teachers to seriously learn during the course and maximise this chance to upgrade their knowledge as well as self-development. In addition, Dr Farida Nurhasanah, the Deputy Director for Programme of SEAQiM was also expressing her appreciation on behalf of SEAQiM through this collaboration and hoped the event could run successfully in Palu City.
The total of 31 participants consisted of 20 math teachers, 6 lecturers and 5 students of the Mathematics Education Study Programme was investigated math deeper using the technology and material presented by the facilitators. Mr Yoga, Ms uul and Ms Uki, as the facilitators from SEAQiM, guided the participants with intriguing topics such as GeoGebra, Math City Map, Computational Thinking & Robot Programming, Rationale of STEAM Education and Engineering Design Process. There was also one invited facilitator virtually, Dr Kristof Fenvyesi from the Jyväskylä University introduced the participants to the Exploring STEAM Activities with the toolkit: 4D Frame. Although he presented online, the engagement activity in the classroom was lively.
As pre-test and post-test were done by all participants and added to the assignments during the course, the committee has announced the three best participants based on the academic evaluation. They are: Ms Nuraini from SMPN 5 Banawa, Ms Asisa, from SMPN 3 Banawa, and Ms Darmawati, from SMPN 1 Banawa. Dr Sumardyono, the SEAQiM’s Director congratulated them virtually through a zoom meeting.
“At first, I was hesitant to participate in this event because I come from a suburban school where electricity and internet are still limited. After attending this course, I felt fortunate and learned many new things about learning mathematics using technology. I can’t wait to apply it directly to my students at school. Even though it’s limited, I will adapt the knowledge I get from SEAQiM,” said Ms Hermin in the closing ceremony.
SEAQiM will continue its contribution in supporting the programme of the Ministry of Education, Culture Research and Technology, Republic of Indonesia’s education development in Indonesia. Hopefully, SEAQiM could collaborate more with more regions in Indonesia.
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