The Mathematics Education Study Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) successfully hosted an international Visiting Lecturer series titled “Mathematics Learning Assessment.” This global academic event was conducted online via Zoom Meeting across four structured sessions held on April 27, May 4, May 11, and May 18, 2026. Through this strategic initiative, the study program aims to broaden students’ global perspectives and strengthen the academic community’s competence in designing future-oriented mathematics learning evaluations.
The Visiting Lecturer series brought together prominent international experts and scholars from the University of Brunei Darussalam. The lectures were delivered alternately by these field specialists, starting with the inaugural session on April 27 led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Masitah Shahrill. The second session on May 4 featured a collaborative presentation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Masitah Shahrill and Dr. Nor Azura Abdullah. Meanwhile, for the third session on May 11, the material was co-presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Masitah Shahrill and Nur Adlina binti Haji Ya’akub. The presence of these speakers was met with great enthusiasm by MathEdu UMS students eager to delve into global evaluation trends.
Throughout the series, the speakers thoroughly explored the urgency of Technology-Enhanced Evaluation in Mathematics to transform the assessment process into an interactive and meaningful learning tool. Participants were invited to deeply understand the implementation of three pillars of modern assessment: Assessment for Learning, Assessment of Learning, and Assessment as Learning. The experts emphasized that although digital technology can map students’ misconceptions and participation in real-time, its role remains strictly supportive and must never replace the essence of good teaching and pedagogy.
One of the highlights of the lecture series occurred during the third session, which discussed the practical application of a Digital Quiz-based Gamification approach using the innovative game “Maths Millionaire.” This concept integrates progressive challenges, leaderboards, and lifelines, which have been proven to boost motivation and increase students’ average mathematics learning outcomes by up to 10%. Beyond showcasing success stories, the international lecture also opened the floor for critical discussions on resolving field challenges, such as passive learning phenomena, student off-task behavior, and technical constraints regarding limited devices (ICT problems).
Through this Visiting Lecturer program, MathEdu UMS students are expected to gain a more comprehensive international perspective on global trends in mathematics evaluation. This activity not only enriches the participants’ theoretical knowledge but also serves as a catalyst for innovative future studies, including an ongoing research project focusing on the impact of gamification on students’ algebraic manipulation skills. This international lecture series marks a concrete step by MathEdu UMS toward fostering a competitive, innovative, and globally-oriented academic environment to cultivate future mathematics educators who are adaptive to rapid technological advancements. (Milani Putri/Laboratory Assistant)