In learning, students in schools and colleges are skilled at arithmetic but not necessarily skilled at mathematics. This is because mathematics involves the ability to make analogies, the ability to interpret, conclude, and generalize.

That's what Dr. Ali Mahmudi, Coordinator of the Mathematics Education Study Program FMIPA UNY when receiving a visit from students from Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University Banten at FMIPA, yesterday.

It was further said, why do we teach mathematics to children, is it so that they master as much mathematics as possible, is it so that they become mathematicians, actually no.

“Let us think, we are preparing students to enter an era that is different from ours—working with a type of job that may not currently exist. Using technology that has not yet been created," said Ali.

Ali gave an example of a new type of job that did not previously exist, namely Cattle Salesmen in Depok, West Java. Cattle sales have doubled after hiring salesmen. That is an illustration for educators to prepare children to take on jobs that currently do not exist.

The focus of learning anywhere is not just memorizing as much as possible because it might not be used later. However, the focus is on developing thinking skills.

Material may be forgotten to a certain extent, but the way of thinking should remain inherent in oneself, such as the ability to conclude, generalize, etc. As long as he can think, he is ready to learn other knowledge.

Mathematics graduates who work in banks and industry use thinking skills more than mathematical material skills. Mathematics students are ready to work anywhere if they have good thinking skills. (witono)