Jalina Widjaja
Visual Mathematics is a relatively new learning approach, as a separate method, although as a component of mathematics learning methods, visuals are an inseparable component. Visual Mathematics offers a context for abstract mathematics learning that becomes more real and can be described. This process stimulates young learners' cognitive growth. The results of several studies conducted show the phenomenon that visual mathematics stimulates the growth of parts of the brain related to motor and control processes related to spatial-visual. For teachers, visual mathematics offers an innovative method to attract more students' interest in learning mathematics in a more contextual and essential way.
Based on the Learning Workshop at Kasepuhan Ciptagelar which was conducted last year, it was deemed necessary to perfect the mathematics learning module for elementary school students which contains visual mathematics as the main component. The learning module will be tested on students at Pancasila Elementary School and Merdeka Elementary School, Lembang Village, Lembang District, West Bandung Regency. Both schools are located within the Bosscha Observatory, ITB, so this activity is also ITB's effort to advance education in the surrounding environment.
Apart from that, learning methods using visual mathematics will also be introduced to teachers in traditional areas online through the Common Room Network Foundation (CRNF) network. CRNF is a non-profit body which is a forum for multidisciplinary dialogue and cooperation.
Both activities were held based on conditions in non-urban areas, namely the shortage of teachers, and also the status of teachers, most of whom are still on honorary status. Therefore, learning with visual mathematics is expected to increase students' understanding, even though they receive little guidance from the teacher. The teacher workshop held online aims to stimulate innovation and creativity among teachers in classroom learning.
The aim of this community service activity is to improve the quality of mathematics learning in schools, especially at elementary and middle school levels, in traditional (indigenous) areas by providing a greater portion of local content based on culture. This activity also has the potential to become a model for similar activities in areas with strong culture and traditions.
The target of this activity is a workshop activity for teachers to improve their abilities and innovate. From this activity, learning modules, video documentation of activities and popular articles for mass media will be produced.
improving the quality of mathematics learning in schools, especially at elementary school level, in sub-urban areas and indigenous communities by providing a greater portion of local content based on culture.
Improving the quality of learning by clarifying concepts visually so that they can be applied to various groups of society without language or cultural barriers.