The campus of Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS) on Saturday, December 13, 2025, was filled with the spirit and enthusiasm of thousands of 12th-grade students from various regions. They were participants in UMS Future Insight 2025, a flagship program initiated by the UMS New Student Admissions Committee (PMB). Carrying the tagline “Learn, Explore, & Connect,” this activity aimed to provide prospective students with a real-life overview of the dynamics of academic life at UMS over a full day. Participants were introduced to the campus environment, the lecture system, and the learning atmosphere at the university.
During the activity, participants visited various faculties and study programs, including the Mathematics Education Study Program at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) at UMS. Through these visits, students gained firsthand experience by participating in learning simulations designed to mimic lectures.
Activities in the Mathematics Education Study Program at FKIP UMS are designed interactively, emphasizing active participant involvement. Students not only receive presentations but also participate directly in the learning process. In the session delivered by Mr. Naufal Ishartono, S.Pd., M.P.d., Ph.D, participants were invited to think critically and creatively in visualizing mathematical concepts that have often been considered abstract.
In the core session, participants practiced creating simple teaching aids that function as mathematics teaching aids. This activity was conducted in groups to foster collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills. The created teaching aids were then applied through learning simulations.
Each group had the opportunity to present the learning media they had designed and simulate the teaching process in front of the other participants. Through this activity, students gained a sense of their role as future educators and understood the importance of creativity and pedagogical skills in the mathematics learning process.
One participant shared her impressions of the activity.
“The activity was very exciting and beneficial. I learned that mathematics isn’t just about numbers and formulas, but also about how to present material creatively and contextually. This activity changed my perspective on mathematics learning,” she said.
Through the implementation of UMS Future Insight 2025, it is hoped that Grade XII students will gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world of college and be equipped to make informed decisions about further education. (Nabilah Annisa/Laboratory Assistant)