On December 10, 2025, the UMS Mathematics Education Study Program hosted a co-curricular activity organized by SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Surakarta. This activity was attended by 9th-grade students as part of strengthening academic insight and introducing them to the university environment from an early age, especially at MathEdu UMS. Through this program, the school hopes that students will gain a broader understanding of the world of higher education, particularly regarding opportunities for further study and fields of study relevant to technological developments.
During the visit, students were introduced to various facilities at MathEdu UMS, including the Mathematics Teaching Aids Laboratory, the Teaching Aids Workshop, and the IT-Based Media Innovation Center in the Computing Laboratory. During this session, students not only observed teaching aids commonly used in mathematics learning but also witnessed the process of making them in the workshop. Furthermore, they witnessed the use of a 3D printer and were introduced to the application of GeoGebra in the development of digital learning media, from visualizing mathematical concepts to creating interactive, technology-based simulations.
This activity was designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of how mathematics can be taught creatively and practically through various media. This provided students with a clear understanding that mathematics learning is not limited to classroom theory but also relates to creativity, technology, and critical thinking skills.
Through this visit, 9th-grade students of Muhammadiyah 1 Junior High School Surakarta are expected to gain a clearer understanding of campus life, higher education prospects, and the potential of the Mathematics Education Study Program as a future study option. This co-curricular activity not only broadens students’ academic horizons but also motivates them to develop their aspirations, understand their interests, and prepare for higher education. This visit is a crucial step in developing students’ future orientation based on direct experience in a university environment. (Milani Putri/Laboratory Assistant)