Learn Math in a Fun Way with Dr. Destina Wahyu Winarti
Learn Math in a Fun Way with Dr. Destina Wahyu Winarti
September 13, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Achmad Jatnika & Destina W. Winarti
If you are in the first category, that is great for you. But if you are in the latter, worry not! You are not alone. For many students, math was a challenge that felt insurmountable. It is often seen as distant and difficult, a public enemy that turned once-curious minds into frustrated ones.
But what if it did not have to be this way? What if math could be transformed into a subject that is enjoyable to learn? This is the question that mathematic scholar Dr. Destina Wahyu Winarti, from the UIII Faculty of Education, strives to address. In her latest published journal article, Dr. Destina found a way to make math more accessible, more relatable, and—dare we say it—more enjoyable.
“So, this is an experimental study that assessed the effectiveness of a spatialized mathematics intervention on the mathematical performance and spatial visualization skills of students from an underprivileged Indonesian community,” Dr. Destina said.
The main concept of the study is the so-called “spatial reasoning,” which is “the ability to visualize and manipulate objects in space.” This is a skill we all use in everyday life, such as when we pack a suitcase, arrange furniture, or even navigate a crowded room. In her study, Dr. Destina asked, could this everyday skill be the key to unlocking a better understanding of math?
To find out, she teamed up with Assoc. Prof. Sitti Maesuri Patahuddin and Prof. Tom Lowrie from the University of Canberra, Australia. Together, they conducted a study with 407 eighth-grade students, dividing them into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received the spatial mathematics intervention, while the control group continued with the standard mathematics curriculum.
For the experimental group, Dr. Destina and the team introduced a new kind of math lesson, one that incorporated spatial reasoning into the curriculum. Instead of just memorizing formulas, students were encouraged to visualize problems, think about shapes, and explore solutions in a more hands-on, intuitive way.
“The pre-test and post-test indicated that the students receiving spatial intervention exhibited significant improvements in spatial visualization skills and mathematics performance compared to those who did not,” Dr. Destina explained. “This suggests that one of the possible solutions to improve students’ mathematics performance and their spatial ability is through spatializing the mathematics curriculum.”
Dr. Destina’s findings in innovating mathematics education have the potential to improve student's math performance, especially for those who have traditionally struggled with the subject. By integrating spatial reasoning into the curriculum, she has shown that math can be more than just numbers and equations—it can be a dynamic and engaging subject that taps into students’ natural abilities and interests.
Dr. Destina’s study aligns with the values that UIII upholds in conducting breakthrough research that can generate innovations and make impacts on societies, not only in the education aspect but also in other fields such as economics and business, politics and social sciences, and Islam and Muslim societies.
source: https://uiii.ac.id/news/preview/57662/home/learn-math-in-a-fun-way-with-dr-destina-wahyu-winarti
Lunch Talk with Dr. Elizabeth Summerfield Shares Insights on ‘Finding Your Voice in Research’
Lunch Talk with Dr. Elizabeth Summerfield Shares Insights on ‘Finding Your Voice in Research’
September 05, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi
The UIII Faculty of Education hosted its 32nd Lunch Talk on August 27, 2024, featuring Dr. Elizabeth Summerfield, a visiting research fellow from the University of Adelaide and a representative of Australian Volunteer International (AVI). Dr. Summerfield delivered an insightful presentation titled “Finding Your Voice in Research: When the ‘Personal is Political.’”
At the event, Dr. Summerfield shared her journey in academia, focusing on how personal experiences can profoundly influence research. She began by recounting her PhD backstory at the University of Melbourne, explaining how her life experiences starting from when she was little till her university life shaped the questions she asked and the research paths she pursued.
In particular, she shared fascinating discoveries about a prominent Australian environmentalist and even touched on connections to Albert Einstein's work. She discussed how Einstein’s philosophies and scientific principles influenced her thinking and research methodology. Specifically, she explored Einstein’s views on the interconnectedness of personal experiences and broader societal issues, encapsulated in the notion that “personal is political.”
She explained that “the personal is political” became a phrase that guided her through the complexities of her research. She emphasized that acknowledging the personal elements in scholarly work not only enriches the research process but also brings a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
She also wove in wisdom from various sources to illustrate her points. She quoted Prophet Muhammad, saying, “The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr,” to highlight the profound impact of knowledge. She also referenced Nelson Mandela’s famous statement, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” underscoring the transformative power of education.
Additionally, she encouraged attendees to maintain a spirit of inquiry, echoing Einstein’s words: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”
The presentation concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants explored the implications of the ideas of integrating personal narratives into academic research. The discussion highlighted the balance between objective analysis and the subjective influences that shape a researcher’s perspective.
The Lunch Talk is part of UIII’s ongoing initiative to promote critical thinking and encourage scholars to share and/or be inspired by other scholars. Dr. Summerfield’s talk aided the audience—faculty members and graduate students—to reflect on their own research journeys and the role that personal experiences play in their scholarly endeavors.
Faculty of Education's PhD Students Present Papers on Rasch Analysis Conference: Reflection on PROMS 2024
Faculty of Education's PhD Students Present Papers on Rasch Analysis Conference: Reflection on PROMS 2024
Attending the Pacific Rim Objective Measurement Society (PROMS) 2024 conference on 20-21 August was a very enriching experience for us as a group. The theme of this year's PROMS was Advancing Rasch Measurement Practically and Responsibly which was held at UCMI City Campus, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This was the 19th PROMS event. God willing, next year's PROMS will be held in Singapore. As four people who are deeply immersed in the field of measurement in education, we are very proud to have the opportunity to interact with global experts. Some of the keynote speakers were our role models in learning and whose books we refer to. They were Prof. Trevor G Bond (Founder of PROMS), Prof George Engelhard (University of Georgia), Dr Haniza Yon (Malaysian Psychometrics Association), Harris Shah Abd Hamid, Ph.D. (University College of MAIWP) and our role model lecturer in Educational Assessment from Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia, Bambang Sumintono, Ph.D. These reflections aim to capture the essence of our collective experience, highlighting the key insights we gained, the challenges we faced, and the implications for our future work.
Diverse Perspectives and Global Collaboration
The opening ceremony on the morning of August 20th set a collaborative and inspiring tone for the conference. Welcoming speeches by Dr. Harris Shah Abd Hamid, Dean of FPPK, and Prof. Dr. George Engelhard, President of PROMS, emphasized the importance of cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration in advancing educational measurement practices. Throughout the two-day conference, we participated in numerous parallel sessions held in various rooms across the campus. These sessions provided platforms for researchers from different backgrounds to present their work. Each parallel room is chaired by a local committee and attended by at least one Rasch expert who are also PROMS board member, giving input and facilitating rich discussions and exchanges of ideas. We were particularly inspired by the presentations that showcased innovative applications of Rasch modeling in diverse educational contexts, highlighting how these techniques can be adapted to meet the specific needs of learners around the world.
Four delegates from UIII PhD students presented papers with their respective scientific fields but used the Rasch Model as a data analysis technique. All the presented papers are the result coming from the process of joining class in Educational Assessment which was taught by our lecturer at Faculty of Education at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia. We challenge ourselves to present in this global conference to learn further and get insight internationally. In the first parallel session, Faradillah Haryani presented a paper entitled: Spatial Orientation Assessment: Investigating Differences Between Residents Of Jogja and Non-Jogja Areas Using Rasch Measurement Model, then in a different parallel class Novinta Nurulsari presented with the title paper Misconception Detection Using Rasch Modeling in Thermodynamics, then still in the same class Eka Yusmaita presented with the title of the paper Chemical Literacy Assessment on Green Chemistry Topic Using Many-Facet Rasch (MFRM) and finally Muhammad Affan Ramadhana presented Rating Behaviour Difference Between Lecturers from ‘Language Education’ and ‘Linguistics/Literature’ Background in an Online EFL Writing Assessment Context.
This conference provided us for networking and building connections with fellow attendees. Informal interactions during breaks and the PROMS Dinner at Rumah Tangsi on the evening of August 20th allowed us to engage in meaningful conversations, discuss potential collaborations, and broaden our professional network. These interactions underscored the collaborative spirit of PROMS and reinforced our commitment to contributing to a global community dedicated to advancing objective measurement in education.
Key Insights and Personal Reflections
One of the most memorable aspects of the conference was the chance to meet some of the world’s leading experts in Rasch measurement theory. Interacting with prominent scholars like Prof. Dr. George Engelhard, Prof. Dr. Trevor Bond, and Prof. Dr. Yan Zi was both inspiring and humbling. Additionally, seeing our own lecturer, Dr. Bambang, among these figures further reinforced the importance of our work. Dr. Bambang himself delivered an insightful keynote on the second day of the conference (21st August 2024), which was followed by, yet another thought-provoking session led by Dr. Harris Shah Abd Hamid later that afternoon.
Novinta said, “I was particularly impressed by the quality of the keynote presentations. Every speaker brought forward innovative ideas and advanced research, but one of the most captivating sessions for me was on the ‘Next Generation of Attitude Measurement.’ The discussions opened my eyes to new possibilities in the field and underscored the importance of evolving our methods to stay relevant in an ever-changing educational landscape. In addition to the keynote speeches, the presentations by other speakers were outstanding. I gained a wealth of new knowledge, with one of the most intriguing topics being unfolding assessment. This concept was new to me and captured my attention due to its potential applications in my own work. Presenting my research at this prestigious event was a particularly valuable experience. Sharing my findings with an international audience and receiving feedback from experts in the field provided me with new perspectives on my research. This experience not only boosted my confidence but also inspired me to continue exploring and refining my work.”
Eka, on the other hand revealed that “This is a very high-quality conference that I have visited, I followed it solemnly. Every presenter who presented, the expert would provide supporting input and even explain the theory of the Rasch Model on the Whiteboard until we were amazed at their delivery. We hope that in the future we can remain part of the Rasch Model community and can continue to attend this conference for the following years.”
Faradillah observed that the Rasch experts in each session provided feedback in a manner that was not only insightful but also encouraging. Even in sessions where the focus was not primarily on Rasch, the experts skillfully demonstrated how the method could be applied to enhance the research, pointing out areas where existing approaches were lacking. This approach showed that the prominent figures in these discussions were open to different paradigms and encouraged deeper exploration rather than dismissing alternative views. Faradillah was particularly pleased with the positive reception of her presentation, even though it was recognized that further work, such as increasing the sample size, was necessary. The findings resonated with the international audience, as they see unique cultural aspects of Indonesian people, measured through Rasch modeling. Additionally, Faradillah gained valuable insights from Professor Trevor Bond, who emphasized that Reliability is number, and Validity is more into number. This point was especially important, as it challenged the common practice of describing reliability and validity solely with numerical descriptions.
Finally, Affan presented his work on how lecturers from language education and lecturers from linguistics/literature background behave differently in their rating severity in the context of writing assessment. His work is based on a preliminary study conducted as preparation for his dissertation research. “I was a bit nervous at the beginning, seeing many people including some Rasch experts in the room. I tried to explain as clearly as I could, but I think I was too fast.” Affan said.
Affan continued, “But it was insightful for me when one of the audience members asked for clarification if the rater participants in my study were prepared with the rubric or not. I said no. Then, he emphasized the possibility of raters who do not understand clearly the meaning of each category in the rubric might cause errors and became the most important factor that causes their rating behavior.” It was later revealed that he is Jeffrey Durant, one of Rasch expert from Toyo Gakuen University Japan, whose works focus on multirater assessment and rater network construction in large-scale multirater assessment. “He said that my study was interesting, and he gave me his contact for further discussion.”
Implications for Future Work
The insights gained from PROMS 2024 will undoubtedly shape our future work. The advanced understanding of Rasch modeling will be directly applicable to our ongoing research projects. For Novinta, this will enhance her efforts in detecting misconceptions in educational settings. Faradillah will be focusing on increasing the sample size to enable Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analysis. Eka plans to expand the study of the Multi-Facet Rasch Model and increase the number of persons to improve item reliability scores. Affan will also leverage these insights to further his research in multirater assessment, especially in preparing rater training and more detailed analysis on rater behavior, by applying Rasch modeling to achieve more robust results. We are now better equipped to refine our methodologies and improve the accuracy and fairness of our assessments.
Conclusion
Overall, PROMS 2024 was a transformative experience for us as a group. The opportunity to engage with leading experts, learn about cutting-edge research, and reflect on our own practices has had a profound impact on our professional development. We leave the conference with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to applying the knowledge and insights gained to our future work. We are excited about the potential for future collaborations and look forward to continuing our journey in the field of educational measurement with a deeper understanding and a broader perspective.
UIII 2nd Commencement: 88 Graduates, 13 Nations, One Global Community
UIII 2nd Commencement: 88 Graduates, 13 Nations, One Global Community
August 29, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Achmad Jatnika
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) successfully held its second commencement ceremony on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the Lecture Hall, 6th Floor, Rectorate Building, UIII Campus in Depok West Java.
This momentous occasion saw the conferral of degrees to 88 graduating students from 13 different countries, showcasing UIII’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment. The graduates hailed from Indonesia, India, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tunisia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Gambia, Timor Leste, Yemen, and Somalia.
The degrees conferred included a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies (29 graduates), a Master of Arts in Political Sciences (18 graduates), a Master of Arts in Economics (25 graduates), and a Master of Arts in Education (16 graduates). This diverse cohort of graduates reflects UIII’s dedication to academic excellence and international collaboration.
UIII Rector Prof. Dr. Jamhari expressed his pride in the graduates, stating, “Today, we celebrate not only the academic achievements of our students but also the rich diversity and international spirit that they bring to our university. Each graduate has shown remarkable dedication and resilience, and I am confident they will continue to make significant contributions to their respective fields and communities.”
The commencement, also known as graduation, ceremony was a celebration of the hard work and achievements of the students, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance throughout their academic journey. The event was attended by UIII’s Chairman of Board of Trustees, faculty members, educational staff, family members, ambassadors and distinguished guests, all of whom gathered to honor the graduates’ accomplishments.
Vice Rector of Academic Dr. Phil. Syafiq Hasyim highlighted the unique approach to this year’s commencement ceremony, saying, “This year, we had the honor of inviting embassy representatives of the graduating students, in addition to their parents and families. This inclusion underscores our commitment to fostering a global community and recognizing the international support systems that contribute to our students’ success. I congratulate all the graduates and wish them the very best in their future endeavors.”
Attending the ceremony was Yemen Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Mohamed Ali Al-Najar, witnessing one of his citizens, Ebrahim Omar Obaid Basalma, a UIII student at the Faculty of Economics and Business receiving the Best Student Award with a cumulative GPA of 3.98 out 4.00. Also present at the event was Mr. Tor Tobing, Chief Executive Officer at the Finance Ministry of the Republic of Indonesia.
Established based on Presidential Decree No. 57 Year 2016, UIII started its academic activity in 2021 with four faculties: Faculty of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Business, and Faculty of Education. This is the second time that it has held a commencement ceremony. Last year, UIII inaugurated 72 graduates coming from 13 countries: Indonesia, Egypt, Togo, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Afghanistan, the Philippines, Nepal, Yemen, Cameroon, Pakistan, Gambia, and Bangladesh.
UIII continues to strive towards its mission of providing high-quality education and fostering a global community of scholars. UIII also offers master’s dual degree programs, collaborating with well-known universities worldwide, such as the University of Edinburgh, SOAS University of London, University of Dundee, and Deakin University. UIII looks forward to the continued success of its graduates as they embark on a new chapter of their life either in their professional field or further academic endeavors.
Iin Afrianti Umar Named Best Graduate of Faculty of Education
Iin Afrianti Umar Named Best Graduate of Faculty of Education
August 28, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi
In a remarkable achievement, Iin Afrianti Umar has been named the best graduate of the Faculty of Education for the second cohort at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII). With an outstanding GPA of 3.96 out of 4.00, Iin’s dedication and hard work have set a benchmark for academic excellence.
Balancing the dual roles of student and mother, Iin’s journey is a living example of resilience and determination. Her adeptness at managing her academic responsibilities alongside her duties as a mom has earned her widespread admiration from both peers and faculty.
In addition to her academic achievements, Iin was one of three students selected for a research student visit program at Deakin University in Australia. In May 2024, she had the opportunity to work closely with Deakin experts, gaining invaluable insights and guidance for her thesis.
Reflecting on her journey, Iin shared, “Balancing my studies and responsibilities as a mother was challenging, but it taught me the importance of time management and perseverance. Today is not the end, but a new beginning,” said Iin during the faculty’s judicium on August 27, 2024.
At the same event, Prof. Nina Nurmila, Dean of the Faculty of Education, congratulated all the graduating students from the faculty, encouraging them to never stop learning. “Just because you graduated today, does not mean that you stop learning. You should continue learning either through publishing more research articles or pursuing a PhD,” said the dean.
Congratulations to all graduating students, especially for Iin whose success story poses as a shining example of what can be achieved with perseverance and support. Her journey not only highlights the quality of education at UIII but also serves as an inspiration to fellow students balancing multiple roles.
source https://www.uiii.ac.id/news/read/57637/iin-afrianti-umar-named-best-graduate-of-faculty-of-education
Lecturer Publication 2024: Dr. Destina Wahyu Winarti
Faculty of Education; Lecturer Publication
Enhancing Quality Assurance Skills at UGM Training
Enhancing Quality Assurance Skills at UGM Training
August 13, 2024
Contributor: Moch Faisal Karim | Editor: Supriyono
Yogyakarta, August 10, 2024 – Four academics from Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) recently participated in an intensive training program on the Internal Quality Assurance System (SPMI) and Internal Quality Audit (AMI) at Yogyakarta’s Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The training, held from August 7th to 10th, 2024, aimed to enhance the skills of UIII’s faculty members in quality assurance.
The team included Moch Faisal Karim, PhD, from the Faculty of Social Sciences, Fajar Hirawan, PhD, from the Faculty of Economics and Business, Bambang Sumintono, PhD, from the Faculty of Education, and Faried Fachrudin Saenong, PhD, from the Faculty of Islamic Studies.
The four-day program was divided into two key segments. The initial two days were dedicated to understanding the SPMI framework and its practical implementation. The participants engaged in comprehensive discussions on national policies related to the quality assurance system (SPM Dikti), developed by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, and examined the relationship between internal and external quality assurance systems. They also explored how the internal quality assurance system is integrated into UGM’s academic processes.
The latter half of the training focused on practical applications of AMI. AMI or Audit Mutu Internal, is a structured, independent, and recorded process designed to verify that the activities within an organization are performed according to established procedures and that the outcomes align with the standards needed to achieve the institution's objectives. The participants took part in role-playing exercises and simulated internal quality audits, gaining hands-on experience in planning, conducting, and reporting on quality audits within their respective faculties. The training concluded with presentations of audit reports and discussions on best practices for follow-up actions.
The training was part of UIII’s broader initiatives to elevate quality standards across its faculties and prepare for upcoming accreditation processes. Additionally, it aims to increase the number of certified internal auditors within the university, thereby strengthening internal quality assurance mechanisms. Organized by UGM, the training provided valuable insights and practical skills that will significantly enhance the quality of education and research at UIII.
source: https://www.uiii.ac.id/news/read/57620/enhancing-quality-assurance-skills-at-ugm-training
Dr. Bambang Sumintono Urges Indonesian Researchers to Prioritize Quality in Educational Leadership Studies
Dr. Bambang Sumintono Urges Indonesian Researchers to Prioritize Quality in Educational Leadership Studies
August 02, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Achmad Jatnika
Dr. Bambang Sumintono, Head of the PhD in Education program at UIII, has called on Indonesian researchers to focus on quality over quantity in researching educational leadership. His recommendation stems from a systematic literature review he conducted, which was published as a book chapter by Routledge.
The chapter, published in 2024, is part of the book "Educational Leadership and Asian Culture," edited by Peng Liu and Lei Mee Thien. In this work, Dr. Sumintono, alongside his two colleagues—Hasan Hariri from the University of Lampung, and Erika Setyanti Kusumaputri from UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, highlights the tendency of local researchers to prioritize the volume of research output rather than the quality of their academic works.
| Read the full article: School Leadership and Indonesian Culture: Revealing the Local Knowledge Development in Post-New Order Indonesia |
A unique aspect of Dr. Sumintono’s chapter is its focus on the "hidden literature", which are research articles written in the Indonesian language and stored in the GARUDA Digital Reference Collection, managed by the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture. By examining these often-overlooked resources, the chapter sheds light on insights that are critical for both local and international scholars.
“The review indicates a significant increase in publications on educational leadership starting in 2013, coinciding with the Directorate General of Higher Education's mandate requiring scientific publications as a prerequisite for graduate students' graduation and for lecturers' promotion,” Dr. Sumintono noted.
The policy, he admitted, has led to a surge in the number of publications. However, it has also had unintended consequences. The rapid increase in research output has, in some cases, led to a rise in conference proceedings and potential predatory publications, which could harm the reputation of Indonesian researchers.
“This shows that the ‘frog leap’ policy to international publications in fact needs to be done in stages, whereby empowering local and national journal publications should be the first priority,” Dr. Sumintono advised.
UIII, through its Faculty of Education, is dedicated to equipping scholars with the skills necessary to become outstanding researchers. The faculty offers four concentrations, one of which is Educational Policy, Management, and Leadership. This concentration is designed to prepare students for leadership roles and policy-related work. Through this concentration, UIII aims to cultivate a new generation of education leaders who can drive positive change in society.
LunchTalk with Dr. Ade Iva Murty: ‘Balance is the Key to Mental Health’
LunchTalk with Dr. Ade Iva Murty: ‘Balance is the Key to Mental Health’
July 31, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi
The UIII Faculty of Education (FoE) organized a LunchTalk on July 30, 2024, featuring Dr. Ade Iva Murty, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science at Sampoerna University, Jakarta. She delivered a presentation titled “Burnout and Balance: Prioritizing Mental Health,” where she asserted the importance of maintaining balance to counter stress and burnout, especially in academic settings.
She centered her presentation around ‘burnout, ' which she mentioned as chronic stress. “This is the result of prolonged, unmanaged chronic stress in a person who does not have the coping tools they need. The risks include excessive working hours, institutional dysfunction, lack of efficacy and control, inadequate incentives, and a particularly stressful workplace,” she explained.
She outlined the burnout cycle, detailing its five stages, starting from initial feelings of overwhelm, increased fatigue and errors, reduced empathy and prosocial behavior, decreased openness to problem-solving, and eventually, performance decrease. Dr. Murty emphasized the crucial link between burnout and mental health, advocating for balance as a preventive measure.
“The key to mental health is balance. Mental health means striking a balance in all domains in your life, private, work personal achievements, family, and relationship,” Dr. Murty elaborated. She advised individuals to take charge of their mental health by identifying and managing conditions that could jeopardize their well-being.
As a graduate institution committed to maintaining a high standard of education, UIII aims to provide a learning environment that not only prioritizes academic excellence but also fosters the well-being and mental health of its community. UIII seeks to create a nurturing environment where individuals can pursue their academic goals with confidence, knowing that their mental and emotional well-being is valued and supported.
Improving the Quality of Teaching in Basic Education in Indonesia
Improving the Quality of Teaching in Basic Education in Indonesia
July 29, 2024
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi
The UIII Faculty of Education recently facilitated the dissemination of professional development programs for elementary school teachers, organized by the Penggerak Indonesia Cerdas Foundation (Pengincer). The event, themed “Towards a Mathematically Literate Indonesia,” took place on July 26, 2024, in the Theater Room of Faculty A Building in Depok, West Java.
This event was a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UIII's Faculty of Education and Pengincer on May 6, 2024. Pengincer is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of basic education in Indonesian Elementary Schools (ES) and Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI).
The dissemination was divided into two sessions. The first session addressed “Current Conditions and Initiatives in Mathematics Teacher Education in Elementary Schools,” with presentations by Arkhadi Pustaka (Sampoerna University), Dhita Puti Sarasvati (University of Indraprasta PGRI), and Regina Nurashari (Pengincer). Dr. Bambang Sumintono, Head of the PhD in Education program at UIII, served as the session’s discussant.
The second session focused on the “Impact and Results of Gernas Taskara Training on Elementary School Teachers.” Gernas Taskara, a national movement initiated by Pengincer in 2018, aims to eradicate mathematical illiteracy by empowering mathematics teachers in elementary schools. Speakers included Trimadona B. Wiratrisna (Pengincer), Hana Sofiyana (Pengincer), Deshinta Puspa Ayu D.A. (Sampoerna University), Faradillah Haryani (UIII PhD student), Arsyiyatul Alawiyah (Pengincer), and Ratna Widianti Utami (STAI Putra Galuh Ciamis). Dr. Destina Wahyu Winarti from UIII served as the discussant for this session.
“We would like to thank all parties who made this research and dissemination possible, especially PT. Bukit Asam Tbk, Perkumpulan Nusantara Utama Cita, and the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII). Hopefully, this initial research can continue and provide significant benefits to basic education in Indonesia,” said Achmad Rizali, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Pengincer.
UIII remains committed to improving the quality of teaching in basic education in Indonesia through research focused on literacy and numeracy. As a research-based graduate institution, UIII aims to produce cutting-edge research that positively impacts society.