Indonesia lecturers study realistic Math in Netherlands

Antara News, Sat, February 2 2013

Utrecht in Netherlands (ANTARA/Jafar)

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Delft, the Netherlands (ANTARA News) - Ten Indonesian lecturers are studying realistic mathematics education in Freudenthal Institute of Utrecht University, the Netherlands through a joint program of Director General of Higher Education (Dikti) and the Dutch institution, Nuffic Neso Indonesia.

The educational activity is International Master Program on Mathematics Education (IMPoME) which started in 2009, the Director of Nuffic Neso Indonesia, Mervin Bakker said in a press release received by ANTARA here Saturday.

"So far IMPoME has produced 22 master degree in realistic mathematics education or RME," he said.

Realistic mathematics education is a teaching and learning of mathematics education which was first introduced Professor Freudenthal, and developed by Freudenthal Institution in the Netherlands.

The education makes math close to children and connecting mathematics with everyday activites. In addition, realistic mathematical idea emphasizes mathematics as a part of life, where students can engage in the same process as when a mathematical concept was first discovered by experts.

Realistic mathematics education master program for teachers is conducted through StuNed (Studeren in Nederland) scholarship program, Mervin said.

According to Mervin, realistic mathematics education in Indonesia has been implemented since 2001 through a pilot project in twelve elementary schools, and today has grown in hundreds of schools from Aceh to Ambon involving 20 teachers.

Freudenthal Institute of Utrecht University is a leading university in the Netherlands, and is one of the top 100 universities in the world.

"Hence, we convince the quality of higher education programs and its graduates will benefit to the development of mathematics education in Indonesia," Mervin said.

The human resources director of Dikti, Supriadi Rustad said the cooperation of mathematics education program involved Sriwijaya University (UNSRI), Palembang and Surabaya State University (UNESA).        

The two universities arrange the candidate selection process, as well as carrying out training to increase the English proficiency before departure to the Netherlands.

"The collaboration with the University of Uthrecht aims to improve the capacity of Indonesian lecturers towards a world-class university," Supriadi said, adding that currently Dikti is preparing a pre double degree for a year and double degree for 2 years, not only at mathematical education, but also covers other sciences.   

Nuffic Neso Indonesia is an agency appointed by the Netherlands government to handle international cooperation in the field of higher education, as well as to manage StuNed (Studeren in Nederland-Study in the Netherlands) scholarship program.

Every year StuNed program sends more than 200 Indonesian students to study in the Netherlands through master, short courses and tailor made training programs.

Editor: Jafar M Sidik