Mimic The Natural Pattern Is The Best Method Of Teaching Learning

It’s a dialogue between the students and Prof. Dr. Marsigit, MA about the problems of teaching learning of mathematics.

Students:                 Why do you like writing? How to learn mathematics well? How to                 love math?

Prof. Dr. Marsigit, MA: When I was student, I think that mathematics is only one. And than, something change , I changed totally My perseption of mathematics, after I finished my studying in UK. Mathematics is not only one. there are many of mathematics, the number of mathematics is similar to the numbers of people that think mathematics. But, most experts only talk about god level math. Figures, that often they mentioned, such as newton and Euclidean is no longer in the world.

They should be more concerned about the people who studied mathematics in the valley, in the canyon, in the ravine, that feeling how hard to climb the vulcano. People who studied mathematics in the valley, mean  they who are not the pure mathematics people  who feel how hard studying mathematics. People like this actually exist everywhere. Ranging from the neighbors, primary school children, secondary school children, etc.

Basically, there are two categories of mathematics, the first is formal Mathematics or axiomatic mathematics, or pure mathematics. It is the math of the gods. The second is the school mathematics.

We must help the students who study mathematics. Math should be able to adjust. If we study with the children, we should not use the god level math. Childhood is a time to playing. singing, dancing and have fun, not to think about god level math. The most stupid person is a person who is not able to adjust to. Therefore, we need for good manners among teachers, students, and mathematics.

God mathematics that discussed by experts is meaningless for the children. For the children, mathematics is activity to search of pathern and relationship, problem solving activity, math is an investigation activity, and the last mathematics is means of communication. Now, we are facing a curriculum that is increasingly messy. It’s causing of curriculum makers don’t understand the nature of mathematics. It makes me concerned and Rebellion through the writing of the dialogue in the web blog. That's why I like writing.

Ancient times, the Greeks believe in the existence of Hermine, the demigod who understand and deliver the whisper of god to the man. After doing research, I conclude that Indonesia  has been this method  since the first, we call it “silaturahmi”. So, the best method to study something is “sunatullah”. For example, plants study how to grow? plants learn life from sprout, divide, grow and seek light when in a closed room.  People are recommended to mimic natural patterns.

Student:                     What should the teacher do to make the students gave their  attention?

Prof. Dr. Marsigit, MA: Why the teacher need to attention?

Naturally enough, when teachers say students pay attention, when students give an opinion, teachers listen, when there are assignments, student work, etc. Indeed our culture from generation to generation since the Dutch colonial era, which is to do something should be under pressure. If it is not pressed, they will deviate.

Student:                          What is the good student?

Prof. Dr. Marsigit, MA: The good students is the students that can say “well” and “like”. We can’t force the students to say “mathematics is beautiful”. Except the students themselves who say that math is beautiful. I sure will not find a shred of that person in Indonesia.  If the teacher that say “math is beautiful”, it means forcing  and it is very cruel.

Student:                            How to make the students learn math easily?

Prof. Dr. Marsigit, MA: God said, "if you're a nation does not want to change it, I was reluctant to change it.

The kindly teacher is a teacher who facilitates students to learn math was easy, not change their perceptions.

Student:                            Why  the students percep that math is difficult?

Prof. Dr. Marsigit, MA :  It's their right. If the teacher knows that student difficulties and find solutions so "Alhamdulillah". Then,  we need technology of teaching learning , including web blog. Because any technology is portable to develop innovative teaching learning of mathematics.