In learning, students in schools and universities are skilled in counting but not necessarily skilled in mathematics. This is because mathematics involves the ability to analogize, the ability to interpret, conclude, generalize.

This was said by Dr. Ali Mahmudi, Coordinator of Mathematics Education Study Program of FMIPA UNY when receiving a visit from students from Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University Banten at FMIPA, yesterday.

Furthermore, he said, what we teach mathematics to children is so that they master as much mathematics as possible, whether so that they become mathematicians, actually not.

“Let us think, we are preparing students to enter an era that is different from our era. Working in jobs that may not exist today. Using technology that has not yet been invented,” said Ali.

Ali gave an example of a new type of work that did not exist before, namely cow sales in Depok, West Java. The sales of cattle doubled after using sales. That is an illustration for educators to prepare children for jobs that do not exist today. 

The focus of learning anywhere is not merely not memorizing as much as possible because it may not be used later. But the focus is on developing thinking skills.

The material may be forgotten to a certain extent, but the way of thinking should remain inherent in him such as the ability to conclude, the ability to generalize, etc. As long as he has the ability to think, he is ready to learn other sciences.

Mathematics graduates who work in banks, industries, use thinking skills more than mathematical material skills. Mathematics students are ready to work anywhere as long as they have good thinking skills. (witono)