INDEPT THINKING ABOUT MATHEMATICS EDUCATION

Now we are in a student of mathematics educations so we must enjoy being in the department of mathematics education, Yogyakarta State University. It is more than just learning, in semester 2 this we must further expand the experience to get to the next semester.

Mathematics education presented to education for children, be it kindergarten, elementary school, or the other. In mathematics education we have to face many problems, for example when teaching elementary school children we should have thought concepts like elementary school children, so children better understand what we deliver. When learning about linear equations, in elementary school we've studied this, but for kids that age do not use the term linear equations, but used the things that can be understood by children, although different ways but have the same purpose as 2x + 5 = 15, for junior high or high school level using the variable x is not a problem, but for elementary school children it would be the difficulty of its own. So, it can be replaced x be a pencil or candy.

The mindset of someone in mathematics differ according to age, at the university level is more abstract mathematics, not to examples, and begins with a definition. While in school mathematics is more emphasized on daily life.

The view of the nature and characteristics of school mathematics will provide the characteristics of mathematics as a whole. Ebbutt and Straker (1995: 10-63) defines school mathematics, hereinafter referred to as mathematics, as follows :  

1. Mathematics as search activity patterns and relationships
2. Mathematics as a creativity that requires imagination, intuition and invention
3. Mathematics as problem solving activities (problem solving)
4. Mathematics as a means of communicating

Ebbutt and Straker (1995: 60-75), gave his view that the potential of for student to be developed an optimal, assumptions about the characteristics of the subject students and implications for learning mathematics are given as follows:

a.      The student will learn math if they have the motivation

b.     the student learn mathematics in its own way

c.     the student learn math either independently or through collaboration with his friend.

d.     the student need a context and situation different in learning mathematics