The SEAMEO Regional Centre for QITEP in Mathematics (SEAQiM) successfully conducted its first regular course titled “Joyful Learning in Mathematics Education for Junior High School Mathematics Teachers” from 16 to 29 April 2026. The two-week program brought together 30 mathematics teachers from across Southeast Asia, including participants from Lao PDR, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
The course aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of joyful learning, strengthen their competencies in designing meaningful and engaging mathematics lessons, and provide opportunities to implement these approaches in real classroom settings. Throughout the program, participants explored a wide range of topics, such as joyful learning principles, instructional strategies, outdoor mathematics, mathematics and art, mathematics and games, the use of virtual and physical manipulatives, alternative assessment, mathematical literacy, computational thinking, STEM in mathematics education, hypothetical learning trajectory, and problem solving.
The program featured distinguished resource persons, including Dr. Tan Liang Soon, Mr. Afit Istiandaru, Dr. Destina Wahyu Winarti, Dr. Farida Nurhasanah, Mr. Rizky, and Mr. Wiworo, alongside SEAQiM’s academic team: Wisnuningtyas Wirani, Gusnandar Yoga Utama, and Bungkus Dias Prasetyo.
One of the highlights of the course was the teaching practicum, where participants applied their knowledge by implementing their lesson designs directly with students at SMP N 4 Pakem. This hands-on experience allowed them to practice joyful learning approaches in authentic classroom environments.
On the final day, participants took part in the “Understanding Culture Show,” celebrating the cultural diversity of their respective countries, followed by the official closing ceremony. The successful implementation of this course reflects SEAQiM’s strong commitment to improving the quality of mathematics education and fostering regional collaboration among educators in Southeast Asia.
A participant from Thailand, Mr. Cherdsak Pakdeeviroch from King’s College under the Royal Patronage, shared his impressions of the program. He stated, “I learned many new insights, especially that mathematics can be taught through joyful learning in a fun and engaging classroom. Thank you, SEAQiM, for the valuable knowledge. I am also grateful for the friendships built over these two weeks—this is truly an unforgettable experience.”
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