Reflection 3

March, 4th 2013, in english lesson, Mr. Marsigit discussed about Seminar of Mathematics Education held in march, 2th 2013. He said that Prof. Widodo (speaker in the seminar) explained about definiton of mathematics for the gods which its form we cann’t look them. E.g. Newton, Euclid, Pascal, etc. On the other hand, Mr. Marsigit more concerned with people who are learning mathematics in the valley who feel how difficult hiking to mountain. So, that valley be everywhere present. Everywhere and everywhen we can find them. Basically, there are two categories of mathematics, first is formal mathematics (axioma mathematics and pure mathematics), and second is school mathematics. He said that school mathematics like as “pick up the ball”, helping the students who are learning mathematics. So, that mathematics must be able to adaptation. The most intelligent people is people who capable adapation appropriate for situation and condition. If we faced with the elementary school students and learning mathematics use university level, so we conclude we are the goofiest.

Skydiving from the moon to  the bottom of the earth must use various method, the same as  learning mathematics. We must use various method and instruments. Javanese people said intelligent people are those who have good manners. The person must have knowledge manners. So the teacher should teach mathematics good manners towards the mathematics and the students. In order for the mathematics to us good manners then have to adapt. So definiton of pure mathematics according to Prof. Widodo is not appropriate based system as has been said before  is useless and not relevant. For the younger students mathematics is activities. The activities are looking for the pattern of relationship, activity for solving the problem, activity to investigate , and mathematics is the means of communicate.

According to Mr. Marsigit, education in Indonesia is increasingly more messy, because the people who make the curriculum is not actually understand how the mathematics. The more victims that befall our youth because they have not the time to be given. He will do the mathematics education revolt against those who don’t understand mathematics itself.

Rebellion is in the form of articles he wrote on the web blog that aimed to senior policy makers who would not understand and did not realize the essence of mathematics.

The means of mathematics is communication. He think aspects of the communication can begin writing, reflecting, listening, etc. Then he rebel with a dialogue with those who do not want to understand through writing. He developed a method of approach Hermeneutics. The ancient Greeks used the term hermeneutics derived from the god Hermes is considered half god half man,  he was able to know or see who understands the whispers and then conveyed to the public. Once he thought, reflection, and perform a variety of research, he discovered a method that is considered the most appropriate method of silaturrahim. So the best method to learn something is sunnatullah, in accordance with destiny. E.g. the growth of the plants started from seed to a mature plan, how plants learn to live with the looking for of sunlight to produce its food. Humans just mimic what is happening around their environment. So not only for learning mathematics but also for learning english. Also use silaturrahim approach. So step by step the students understand to develop his/her own thinking.

In daily life, we must relate to our fellow human beings (hablumminannas). Working together, helping each other, sharing, etc. And also relationship with god (hablumminallah),  loneliness, only accompanied by charity and deeds. The problem about pure mathematics and school mathematics totally different, like the difference between night and day. He considers the officials too much intervention so he is very intense criticize and oppose.

The following discussion of the question submitted by some the students.
1.    Why the students should pay attention to the teacher?
The students should pay attention to the teacher that does not mean the teacher less attention, but in order to create a conducive learning atmosphere. There was time the teacher to talk while students listen him/hers and the students talk while the teacher listen them. It is a culture of learning we are hereditary since colonized by the Netherlands. The teacher forced and pressed their students.
2.    What do you think about good student?
Mr. Marsigit said good student is student who have considered himself/herself well and s/he can feel happiness.
3.    How did the students learn mathematics effectively?
The teacher must facilitate his/her students. The teacher should not be forced and pressed their students. The teacher should have to give his/her students the freedom to learn in their own way
4.    Why most students think mathematics is difficult?
It is the right of students. they are entitled to say math is difficult, easily, beautiful, fun, etc. The teacher should provide opportunities for the students to learn independently.
If you find that students experiencing difficulty in learning it a step further. If you succeeded in making students become understand it is a pride for you.