Learning Mathematics Made More Enjoyable through School Numeracy Strengthening
The North Lombok Regency Government, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), is committed to improving the quality of regional education by strengthening literacy and numeracy skills for both students and teaching staff. Enhancing arithmetic abilities is seen as essential to helping students understand mathematics more easily and enjoyably.
North Lombok Regent Najmul Akhyar stated that the numeracy literacy programme is a concrete step by the local government to improve student capabilities. The teaching methods used are expected to change the perception that mathematics is a difficult subject.
“This programme is one of the real steps in increasing students’ numeracy skills through learning methods that are fun and easy to understand,” said Najmul while opening the numeracy literacy activity at SMPN 1 Tanjung, North Lombok Regency, on Monday.
According to Najmul, numeracy skills cannot be built solely through the memorisation of formulas. Children need to be guided to understand how to use numbers and logic to solve various problems encountered during the learning process.
Therefore, he emphasised the importance of all participants completing the training. The materials provided are expected to help teachers and students find more effective ways to teach and learn numeracy.
“I urge all participants to follow the activity until the end. We need to introduce enjoyable counting methods so that children can understand mathematics more easily,” he said.
Najmul noted that children’s numeracy skills in North Lombok still require continuous improvement. Such efforts require collective commitment from the local government, schools, teachers, students, and other parties involved in education.
Simple and engaging learning, according to him, can help students reduce their fear of mathematics. When material is presented in an easily digestible manner, students are expected to be more courageous in attempting and solving problems independently.
“This activity can serve as a concrete step in improving the quality of learning, while simultaneously fostering interest and confidence in students when studying mathematics,” he added.
Strengthening numeracy does not stop at the ability to perform arithmetic operations. The learning process needs to be directed so that students can understand number-based information, recognise patterns, and use reasoning when facing problems.
In this context, the role of the teacher is vital. Teachers must not only deliver material but also find approaches that can ensure students are actively engaged during the learning process.
Teachers as Drivers of Numeracy Learning
The Head of the North Lombok Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports Office, Muhammad Najib, stated that numeracy literacy activities have been organised frequently. The programme is implemented by both the Education Office and various other institutions.
“The enthusiasm of teachers and students in participating in similar activities serves as an incentive to continue strengthening numeracy learning within the school environment,” he said.
According to Najib, high participation indicates a need for more varied teaching methods. The knowledge gained through training is expected not to stop with the participants but to be reapplied within teaching and learning activities.
In this way, the benefits of the activity can reach more students in schools. Teachers can also adapt the methods they have acquired to suit the character and abilities of the students in their respective classrooms.