President Jokowi Meets Mathematically Gifted Students in N. Sumatra

President Jokowi during his meeting with a number of students who are studying mathematics in Humbang Hasundutan Regent’s Office, North Sumatra, Thursday (02/03). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Lukas)

On the sideline of his scheduled working visit in North Sumatra province, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Thursday (02/03) met with a number of elementary school students who are studying mathematics with the gasing learning method (easy, enjoyable, and fun) in Humbang Hasundutan Regent’s Office.

Before the President, the students demonstrated their fast calculation abilities for basic math such as multiplication, addition, and fractions without using a calculator.

Professor Yohanes Surya, who guides the students, said that the gasing learning method uses songs, logic exercises, left-right brain exercises, and motor skills.

Through the learning method, he added, the students can learn to count [for basic math] faster even though they are learning from scratch.

“A student who has zero counting skills from the beginning became so good at it that they can count fractions in just one month,” Prof. Yohanes said.

Gloria, a fifth-grade student, said she has experienced the effectiveness of the learning method that makes math more fun instead of just memorizing formulas.

“There are usually lots of formulas in math. This method made it easier to learn. Normally, one lesson can take more than a month. But through this method, we can learn addition, multiplication, subtraction, division, fractions, and decimals in just a month,” said Gloria, who dreams of becoming Minister of Education.

Echoing a similar sentiment, another student, Paulus, said that math was difficult, scary, and hard to understand before the gasing learning method.

“After I learned the quick tricks prepared by Prof. Yohanes, I understand math more and can answer clearly without any doubts,” he said.

Paulus also said that he wants to transfer his math knowledge to his school friends so that it can be used for math olympiads. He also said he was also delighted and surprised by the President’s visit.

“This feels like a dream because it is the first time I met him. I panicked. But I am amazed when I see the President directly,” he said.

On that occasion, Prof. Yohanes expressed hope that the gasing learning method can be used for numeracy learning throughout Indonesia.

“That way, students across the country can enjoy this learning method because it is so easy, enjoyable, and fun,” he said.

President Jokowi also reminded the students to always study diligently.

“Thank you, students. Keep on studying,” the President said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (RIF/EP)