The 2025 Community Service Program (PkM) continues the success of the initiatives carried out in 2023 and 2024. This year’s program features two main activities designed to enhance the quality of mathematics education in Ponorogo and its surrounding areas. The following is a summary of the activities that have been and will be conducted:
- Mathematics Competition for Ponorogo and Surrounding Areas
The competition was held on September 27, 2025, at Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo (UMPo). Designed as a team-based mathematics competition, it aimed to encourage students to think critically, analytically, and collaboratively in solving mathematical problems.
This event not only served as a platform for students to sharpen their skills but also provided valuable experience for teachers in Ponorogo on how to organize a well-structured and competitive mathematics competition.
The competition involved the Ponorogo Mathematics Teachers Association (MGMP) and UMPo students as committee members. The panel of judges consisted of mathematics experts from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Universitas Negeri Malang (UM Malang), and UMPo.
- Teacher Training
In addition to the competition, the PkM program also included teacher workshops and interactive discussions held on the same day and at the same venue—September 27, 2025, at UMPo. The training aimed to introduce innovative teaching methods and the use of technology in mathematics education.
The workshop focused on the topic “Utilizing GeoGebra in Mathematics Learning”, presented by: Made Tantrawan, Ph.D., Atina Husnaqillati, Ph.D., Dr. Budi Surodjo (Department of Mathematics, UGM), Mochammad Hafiizh, S.Pd., M.Si. (Department of Mathematics, UM).
Further, an online teacher training session was held on October 16, 2025, covering two different topics:
- Compound Interest and Basic Annuities — delivered online by Puan Nordiana Rosdi from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia).
- Utilizing AI in Mathematics Learning — delivered online by Dr. Nanang Susyanto.
This training aimed to provide teachers with new insights to develop more effective and technology-relevant teaching methods.
- Public Lecture
As part of the 2025 PkM series, a public lecture was organized in collaboration with the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo (UMPo) on November 5, 2025. The lecture was open to university students and featured the following topics:
- Embracing Lifelong Learning: Enhancing Soft Skills, presented by Prof. Dr. Dra. Christiana Rini Indrati, M.Si.
- Applications of Differential Equations in Everyday Life, presented by Dr.rer.nat. Lina Aryati, M.Si.
This lecture aimed to provide both teachers and students with broader perspectives on current developments in education and mathematics.
Through these activities, the program aims to foster a stronger educational ecosystem for mathematics in Ponorogo and its surrounding areas.
The mathematics competition provided students with opportunities to enhance their critical and collaborative thinking skills, while the teacher training sessions equipped educators with innovative teaching strategies.
With collaboration among UGM, UM Malang, UMPo, and other institutions, this program is expected to create a sustainable positive impact on the educational landscape in Ponorogo.
This initiative also stands as a concrete example of higher education institutions’ commitment to supporting educational development in local communities, strengthening the connection between academics, teachers, and students in building a brighter future for education.
Keywords: Mathematics Education, Teacher Training, Community Service Program
Author: PkM Team
Photo: PkM Team