Mathematics Teacher Competency Enhancement Program for Junior High Schools in Bogor Regency: Improving the Quality of Mathematics Learning through STEM
The Bogor Regency Education Office, in collaboration with SEAMEO Qitep in Science and the Indonesia University of Education (UPI), organized a competency enhancement program for junior high school Mathematics teachers. The event took place at Mega Hotel and Resort Bogor from Tuesday, February 4, 2024, to Thursday, February 7, 2024.
This program aims to improve the quality of Mathematics learning through the STEM approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Through this approach, teachers are expected to integrate concepts from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into the learning process. Additionally, STEM education contributes to equipping students with 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, creative thinking, communication skills, and collaboration skills. As a result, learning is not only focused on conceptual understanding but also on developing skills relevant to the demands of the workforce and life in the digital era.
The speakers at this event are experts in Mathematics education and STEM, including Dr. Poppy Kamalia Devi, Dr. Indrawati, M.Pd., Prof. Dr. Nanang Priatna, M.Pd., and Bill Chairy Rizki Bustaren, M.Pd. They delivered materials on innovative teaching strategies, the use of technology in teaching, and STEM-based evaluation methods.
One of the key components of this program was the hands-on practice session for participants. Attending teachers were given the opportunity to apply STEM-based learning in a simulated classroom setting. At the end of the program, each participant was expected to design a STEM learning instrument that could later be implemented in their respective schools. This ensures that the knowledge gained from the training has a direct impact on improving the quality of Mathematics education at the junior high school level.
According to a representative from the Bogor Regency Education Office, this event is the first step in strengthening STEM-based learning in schools. Moving forward, there will be follow-up monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the learning instruments designed by the participants. Through these efforts, it is hoped that the quality of Mathematics education in Bogor Regency will continue to improve and become more aligned with the demands of the modern era.
