Yogyakarta, November 13, 2024 – A five-member delegation from the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Quality Improvement of Teachers and Education Personnel in Mathematics (SEAQiM) recently attended Seminar Pendidikan Matematika (SeNdiMat) in Yogyakarta. Hosted by Balai Besar Guru Penggerak Provinsi DIY (BBGP DIY), the seminar gathered educators and experts nationwide to discuss “Transformasi Kompetensi Guru Matematika di Era Disrupsi Teknologi”.
SEAQiM’s esteemed delegation comprised Dr Sri Wulandari Danoebroto, Deputy Director for Programme; Ms Puji Iryanti, Deputy Director for Administration; Mr Bungkus Dias and Ms Ummy Salmah (Specialists); and Ms Hani Puspita (Partnership Division), who represented the organization in their significant capacity. Their participation affirms SEAQiM’s dedication to advancing mathematics education across the Southeast Asian region and aligns with SEAQiM’s commitment to fostering innovative teaching methods.
The seminar commenced with an opening ceremony led by the Head of BBGP DIY representative, Dr. Sumaryanta – Leader of Learning Working Group, who set the event with engaging discussions on the future of mathematics education. Following the opening, the speakers, Dr. Jarnawi Afgani Dahlan from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, and Dr. Marfuah, M.T. addressed the audience on the theme mathematics teacher competency in integrating technology in learning and assessment, followed with transformation of teacher competency model mathematics, sparking insightful reflections on the demands and prospects that technology presents to educators.
The highlight of this seminar is the presentation of Menteri Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah, Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu’ti, M.Ed., as the keynote address. Along with him, Prof. Atip Latipulhayat, S.H., LL.M., Ph.D. Wakil Menteri Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah, Prof. Dr. Nunuk Suryani, M.Pd., Direktur Jenderal Guru dan Tenaga Kependidikan, and Dr. Iwan Syahril, Ph.D. Direktur Jenderal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, Pendidikan Dasar dan Pendidikan Menengah.
The Minister highlighted the need to eliminate the “difficult” stigma surrounding mathematics. He emphasized the essential role of mathematics as an interconnected discipline that supports logical thinking and problem-solving skills across subjects. “We must transform mathematics into a subject that students look forward to, which requires teachers to adopt joyful and engaging learning methods,” said Minister Mu’ti.
The seminar concluded with a motivational speech from Minister Mu’ti, who reminded participants of mathematics’s transformative power in shaping students’ logical reasoning and analytical skills. He urged educators to present mathematics as a meaningful discipline interconnected with real-world applications, fostering students’ curiosity and love for learning. “We must change students’ thinking and perception about mathematics. Let’s build a joyful atmosphere so that students find the meaning of what they learn for their lives,” concluded Minister Mu’ti.
This 2024 SeNdiMat proved to be an invaluable platform for SEAQiM’s delegation, as they gained new perspectives and strategies that will enrich their initiatives across the Southeast Asian region.