The Community Service Team (PkM) from the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a community service activity entitled “The Role of Basic Mathematical Concepts in Several Applications” at the Main Hall of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Muhammadiyah Mataram (UMMAT), on Saturday (20/9).
This activity was a joint collaboration between the Department of Mathematics FMIPA UGM, the Mathematics Study Program of Universitas Mataram (UNRAM), the Mathematics Education Study Program of UMMAT, and the Mathematics Teachers Association (MGMP) of Mataram City. The program was attended by 20 high school mathematics teachers and 150 students from UNRAM and UMMAT.
The UGM PkM team was chaired by Dr. Indarsih, M.Sc., with members comprising Prof. Indah Emilia Wijayanti, Prof. Fajar Adi Kusumo, Dr. Dwi Ertiningsih, Dr. Yunita Septriana Anwar, Dr. I Gede Adhitya Wisnu Wardhana, and Muhammad Reza Subakti.
Four main topics were presented during the program, namely:
- The Importance of Mathematical Logic for High School Students, emphasizing logic as the foundation of scientific reasoning and numerical literacy, and highlighting the use of contextual approaches and counterexamples as effective methods to overcome misconceptions.
- Digital Literacy through Classical Cryptography, which introduced fundamental cryptographic concepts to raise students’ awareness regarding data security in the digital era.
- Understanding the Basic Concept of Queueing Systems: From Mathematics to Real Life, which discussed the application of queueing theory in daily life to foster discipline and awareness of systematic order.
- Utilization of Wolfram Alpha in Solving Mathematical Problems, which demonstrated the role of digital tools in supporting mathematics learning and problem-solving processes.
According to Dr. Indarsih, this program is expected to strengthen the synergy among higher education institutions while enhancing the competence of teachers in understanding and teaching basic mathematical concepts in a more contextual and applicable manner.
Following the community service activity, two subsequent events were conducted: a Public Lecture and the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (MoU) between FMIPA UGM, FMIPA UMMAT, and FKIP UMMAT. The agreement encompasses collaboration in the fields of education, research, and community service, aiming to improve academic quality and foster sustainable partnerships among the three faculties.
The public lectures were held in parallel sessions at two locations. Parallel Lecture I, held at FKIP UMMAT, covered three topics: The Philosophy Behind Field Extension Construction, Queueing Theory, and Topological Algebra. Meanwhile, Parallel Lecture II, held at FMIPA UNRAM, featured two topics: Introduction to Dynamical Systems and Vehicle Routing Problem.
Through this collaborative initiative, UGM, UNRAM, and UMMAT aim to advance mathematical education and research, enrich academic insights for teachers and students, and strengthen inter-university networks in developing mathematics relevant to real-world applications.
Keywords: PkM, Mathematics Applications
Author: Dr. Indarsih, M.Sc.
Photo: Dr. Indarsih, M.Sc.