Paving Road to Literacy Through Math

SAMUEL OKTORA

· 5 minutes read

In Bandung, housewives with only middle school diplomas are studying math together as they wait for their children to finish school. Their improved literacy has enabled the women to help their children with homework and contribute to the fight against fake news.

The school bell has rung at 7 a.m. on Thursday (4/4/2019), calling all students to class at SDN 085 Ciumbuleuit elementary school in Cidadap district, Bandung. Nine women made sure that their children were in their classrooms, but did not return home. Instead, they climbed the stairs to the second floor of the school to an empty classroom. Just like their children, they had class that morning.

The time spent at the school while waiting for their children to finish classes is valuable for the members of the Mothers Learning Math (IBM). There is no time for gossiping. Instead, they use their time to learn new skills under the guidance of lecturers from Parahyangan Catholic University (Unpar).

The university is located just 2 kilometers away from the elementary school. Unpar’s mathematics department head, Erwinna Chendra, IBM semester coordinator Taufik Limansyah and four mathematics students led the women’s classes that day.

“Today, we are working on Module 27 about squares and rectangles. Please open page 146. Remember, the area of a rectangle is its length multiplied by its width,” Erwinna said at the start of the class.

The mothers opened their 283-page textbooks, titled Learning Materials for Teaching and Training Elementary School Mathematics. The university’s mathematics lecturers compiled the textbooks and provided them for free to the IBM members.

The textbook was originally written for elementary students, but its contents were updated with a new concept and revised using language that was easy to understand. It covers integers, fractions, basic arithmetic, measurements and social mathematics.

“The goal is for them to be able to teach basic math to their children at home,” said Erwinna.

After explaining some math problems, Erwinna asked the IBM women to try and solve some problems from the textbook. The university students helped the women whenever they had difficulty solving the problems.

“Mathematics is not just about adding or multiplying. It helps critical, analytical and logical thinking. A combination of all [three] are clearly necessary to face the changing times,” said Erwinna.

Increasing literacy

The IBM group was formed in 2012 by Agus Sukmana, who headed Unpar’s community service unit. At its outset, the program was funded by the Research and Technology Ministry’s directorate of research and community service, and Unpar has funded the program since 2013. The IBM membership ranges from 20-30 women every year.

IBM teacher J. Dharma Lesmono said that the group invited parents with children in the first and second grades to join. Most of the parents had only finished middle school, so generally had difficulties helping their children with their math homework.

“Many expressed interest when we invited them to join the class,” said Dharma.

Today, seven years later, the IBM classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday at SDN 085 Ciumbuleuit. They are also held every Tuesday and Wednesday at SDN 188 Bandung Baru. The Unpar mathematics department provides 12 lecturers to teach at the two elementary schools.

Dharma expressed hope that the program would help the children receive learning support at home, as well as improve math literacy among local families.

Data from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) shows that Indonesian students rank poorly in literacy, science and math skills. PISA ranked Indonesia 64th out of 72 countries in 2015.

SDN 188 Bandung Baru principal Jaya Rahmat said that the IBM program had made a positive impact on the final exam results, with its students achieving the highest scores in the final exams in Cidadap district. “In future, I hope that all parents can take part in the IBM program. Participation is voluntary right now,” he said.

SDN 085 Ciumbuleuit principal Sri Sukoati said that the IBM program helped improve literacy among both mothers and children outside of school, and was an ideal way to train them to think critically.

“In the current digital era, which is rife with hoaxes, literacy is very important. Hopefully, people will not be easily duped by fake news,” said Sri.

Combating hoaxes

Lina Marlina, 39, of Wangunsari village in Lembang district, West Bandung regency, has benefited from the IBM program. She feels that she had become more confident about helping her 12-year-old daughter, Aura Mutmainah, study math. Lina, who only completed her education up to middle school, has been taking the IBM classes since 2013.

“Aura has always been in the top three students every semester, from first to sixth grade,” said Linda who sells gorengan (fried snacks) to make a living.

Dwi Hariani, 31, who lives in Ciumbuleuit subdistrict, said that her interest in reading had grown since she started taking the IBM classes. At first, she only read the IBM textbook to help her child with schoolwork. Nowadays, she reads anything she can get her hands on. Dwi never imagined that her love for reading would help her with her daily life.

Dwi said her increased knowledge and insights helped her, such as in the election. She is diligent about reading up on the backgrounds of her preferred candidates. She refers to trusted sources to verify the

plethora of information she comes across on social media sites. “Now, I am sure of my choices. I have read about their performances and track records,” she stated confidently.

An hour later, the class ended. However, the mothers’ dreams of improving their literacy did not stop there. In their willingness and desire to study mathematics, the mothers have proven that they can achieve anything they want.

Editor:

kompascetak