In general, Mathematics learning, both at school and at university, has now changed. Along with advances in information technology (IT), mathematics learning has varied, for example, students are given reading references on the Internet, teachers even give assignments to their students via the Internet, and students also submit assignments via the Internet. In this way, learning mathematics will feel easier.

Previously, mathematics learning was still expository (traditional), that is, teachers and lecturers only explained and gave examples, gave questions, and gave homework, and this was done repeatedly. That's what Dr. Sugiman, Head of the Mathematics Department, FMIPA UNY, said when met in his office, Wednesday, 18/1.

"For learning at university, apart from prioritizing IT, students are also given independent assignments and presentation assignments. Presentations in front of the class can be done individually or in groups. The goal is to inform what is known. If there are still deficiencies in the presentation, the lecturer can immediately provide corrections," he stressed.

It is said that public interest in enrolling in the Department of Mathematics Education, FMIPA UNY, remains high from year to year, even the highest among other departments at FMIPA UNY. This is partly due to the wide job opportunities. Mathematics teachers are needed in schools from elementary, junior high, and high school levels. For state schools, the aim is for graduates to be able to teach in junior high and high schools. Meanwhile, elementary school mathematics teachers usually teach in private schools.

Another advantage, apart from being able to become a teacher, graduates can also become lecturers. Even many students who have not yet graduated are already working by tutoring students. The large number of alumni and the student recruitment system also play a role in increasing public interest.

"Graduates from the non-teaching Mathematics Department can work in banks, Central Statistics Agency, insurance companies, Software Production Houses, consulting services and data analysis, and so on. "Meanwhile, for those in education, they can become teachers or lecturers," he continued.

Meanwhile, the Mathematics laboratory coordinator, Murdanu, M.Pd., said that Mathematics UNY students had succeeded in creating many mathematics learning media tools. This tool can help make it easier for teachers to explain to students.

"For example, teaching aids for elementary school children on the topic of adding positive integers to positive numbers. The goal is that students can operate for adding positive integers to positive integers. The equipment used is a number line and integer dolls," he explained. (wit)