Are You Sure Math Isn’t Fun? IPB University Ambassador Shares Tips for Conquering Mathematics
The world celebrates International Mathematics Day every March 14. As the ‘Queen of Science’, math is the foundation for several other fields of science such as physics, chemistry, biology and economics. But what happens when math is considered the ‘enemy’ because it is difficult and uninteresting?
Wirayudha Erlangga, an IPB University Ambassador who is also a student of Mathematics Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) shared his experience in conquering mathematics. For him, learning math is like playing a puzzle.
“Learning math is like playing a puzzle. You must first find a pattern to arrange the puzzle until the result becomes a picture,” he explained.
Wira, his nickname, explained that math becomes interesting when a problem can be solved by combining accuracy, creativity, and innovative thinking.
This IPB University ambassador emphasized that mathematics will be a fun science if you have a passion in the field of analysis. When interested in math, someone will be curious about solving a problem.
“Math requires us to think creatively in solving problems. When faced with a problem, the available solutions tend to be diverse so that a solution with maximum results must be determined,” he explained.
According to him, math is also an applicable science that is closely related to everyday life, making it interesting to explore. It is as simple as calculating discounts when shopping, to measuring spices when cooking so that it is delicious to eat.
On top of all that, math also offers great career opportunities. Wira mentioned several courses that will continue to be used such as statistical methods, basic computing, introduction to probability theory, linear programs, and numerical methods. According to him, these courses can support the needs of mathematics graduates in industrial, operational, financial, programming, data analysis and business aspects.
“Mathematics is a science that is very close to everyday life, even in the world of work there are so many job vacancies. Almost all companies need someone with a background of analytical thinking which usually comes from mathematics and is indeed a competency possessed by math graduates,” he explained.
Unfortunately, many people still think math is complicated and a headache, so they avoid it. Wira feels that his interest in math should be shared by more people. Therefore, he shared some tips to conquer math.
Don’t be afraid of math! Math exams are probably the thing most people avoid. But, says Wira, it should be a challenge to live up to and not to avoid.
Intersperse it with games. Currently, there are various media that can be used to support math learning, one of which is designed by the IPB University Student Creativity Program (PKM) team, namely Math Mission.
“Math Mission is a series of activities consisting of interactive learning, educational games and learning stimulus, equipped with supporting prototypes that make it easier for students to understand math,” said Wira.
Build awareness of the importance of math. According to Wira, this awareness must be instilled considering that the role of mathematics in analytical skills is the foundation for innovation and progress in various sectors of industry and science.
Find a role model that can be used as a reference. There are times when motivation disappears and leaves, for this reason, he advised the importance of role models to re-establish the spirit of learning mathematics. (Lintang/Rz) (IAAS/Aly)
