Tanoto Foundation Introduces Engaging Methods for Literacy and Numeracy Learning
The Regional Facilitators (Fasda) Perubahan of the Tanoto Foundation has introduced engaging ways to learn literacy and numeracy in Dumai, Riau. According to Antara, these efforts are carried out through various innovative projects that utilise learning approaches closely connected to students’ daily lives.
The implementation of these learning activities took place at SMPN 14 Dumai using the Lesson Study method with a Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach. The Head of SMPN 14 Dumai, Rudi Candra, stated that training had previously been conducted for teachers from schools across Dumai. Each school sent one teacher to participate in the training, which was subsequently followed by dissemination or the sharing of practices with other teachers within their respective schools.
The results of the training were implemented through a lesson study consisting of three stages: plan, do, and see. The ‘plan’ stage involved collaborative lesson planning, while the ‘do’ stage involved the actual teaching practice.
“Today we entered the ‘do’ stage. Previously, they had discussed and prepared the lesson plans. After this activity is complete, they will proceed to the ‘see’ stage, or reflection, to identify what has succeeded and what has not,” said Rudi.
The RME approach applied in mathematics learning stems from problems encountered by students in everyday life. In this particular practice, teachers used the activity of wrapping gifts as a context for learning to help students understand the concept of the surface area of a cuboid.
“From that problem, the children measured and performed the activity themselves. From there, they discovered the formula for the surface area of a cubative and then calculated how much wrapping paper was required,” Rudi explained.
This approach is expected to change students’ perceptions of mathematics, which is often regarded as difficult and boring. The learning is designed so that students can understand concepts through real experiences rather than merely memorising formulas.
Meanwhile, the Project Management Unit of the Tanoto Foundation, Yusriwiati Yose, stated that Fasda Perubahan serves as a space for regional facilitators to develop innovative solutions tailored to the needs and potential of their respective regions.
“Fasda Perubahan is an opportunity to address literacy and numeracy challenges in the regions. Through this project, Fasda is encouraged to become agents of change capable of producing innovations to improve literacy and numeracy based on local contexts,” said Yusriwiati.
For the Riau region, the 2026 Fasda Perubahan Project targets three areas: Dumai City, Pekanbaru City, and Bengkalis Regency. Specifically in Dumai, there are three projects: Gemilang, which focuses on utilising local tourism potential to strengthen teacher literacy and numeracy; EduCore Numeracy, through teacher collaboration in RME Lesson Study; and Anre Beraksi, through the Guided Literacy Movement (GLITTER).
Through this mentoring, the Tanoto Foundation hopes that the developed innovations can become best practices that are continuously replicated and developed by other schools and teachers according to their respective regional potentials.