Mathematics:

A Terrifying Experience Becomes Enjoyable

“Getting to know about contextual learning through the DBE3 BTL2 program made a big difference to me and my students. By becoming a teacher who acts as a facilitator I have become a friend to them, as they create things and do experiments,” declared Mustafa, a mathematics teacher at MTsN Takalal, Soppeng, amid the hubbub of his students enjoying learning mathematics about similar triangles. On this occasion pak Mustafa had divided the students into two large groups and given a task to each of the groups.

The first group was given the task of measuring the length of one side of the schoolyard. The members of this group used a simple theodolite made out of bamboo by the students themselves. The second group had the task of measuring the height of a mango tree in the schoolyard. The tasks they were given were related to the topic of similar triangles.

What the students achieved

Groups 1 and 2 were able to measure the length of the schoolyard and the height of the mango tree using the concept of similar triangles. Using this concept there were able to measure the length of the yard and the height of the tree without being in the yard. They did the calculations inside the classroom. After they had done their calculations, the students and teacher reflected together on what they had done and what they had achieved. With activities like this, mathematics lessons no longer terrify the students; on the contrary they find the lessons very enjoyable. Below you can see some pictures of the activities during the lesson.