Opening Speech Dean Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Universitas Negeri Malang
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi wabarokatuhb Dear distinguished keynote speakers, invited speakers, excellent participants, committee members, ladies, and gentlemen.
On behalf of the Universitas Negeri Malang, I welcome you to the sixth International Conference on Mathematics and Science Education (ICoMSE) held on August 9th–10th, 2022, in Malang. This conference is also carried out in collaboration with the Faculty of Education, University Ljubljana, Slovenia, as the co-host.
The theme of the conference is: “Educational Diversity and The Future of Mathematics and Science Education Research.” Education plays a foundational role in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a particular focus on improving life opportunities and outcomes for the most marginalized in society, the SDGs was formed to build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In addition to serving as the focus for SDG 4 (“ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”), education directly contributes to the goals of addressing poverty reduction and reduced inequalities, health and nutrition, economic growth, and labor market opportunities, as well as peacebuilding and the promotion of democratic institutions. The question is, how mathematics and science education can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals in a developing country? Science and mathematics are expected to contribute not only to the development of science and mathematics literacy but also revolve around the construction of new citizenship with a system of values aligned with sustainable development: cooperation, collaboration, solidarity, empathy, and connection with nature. Mathematics and science educators have become vital actors and fundamental pillars in transforming our world.
Ladies and gentlemen
Since 2017, ICoMSE has provided a forum for reporting the latest developments in mathematics and science education research. In this 6th episode, the conference is carried out on a hybrid basis (virtual and physical attendances). The conference’s main aim is to bring scholars, researchers, educators, students, professionals, and other groups interested in mathematics and science education to present their works on the developments in mathematics and educational sciences. This conference provides an opportunity for academicians and professionals from various mathematics and science education field to share their theoretical knowledge, research findings, and educational practices with their colleagues and the academic community.
This annual conference also serves to further the advancement and innovation in teaching and learning in the area. I do believe that these two days of meetings and discussions will facilitate a platform as an opportunity for researchers to meet academics and practitioners from different parts of the world and to enlarge their networks with a person to personal contacts in a high-quality academic convention.
Ladies and gentlemen
A successful conference is the sum of many important parts.
Please allow me to take this opportunity to give my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the excellent keynote speakers:
- Iztok Devetak, Ph.D. from the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Andrew Heckler, from Ohio State University, USA;
- Justin Dillon from the University of Exeter, UK;
- Prof. Angeliki Mali from the University of Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Prof. Dr. Maurice M W Chen from The University of Waikato, New Zealand;
- Tamara Rončević, Ph.D. from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia, and
- Sri Rahayu, M.Ed., Ph.D. from Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia.
I would also like to express my gratitude to all the participants who have contributed to this conference.
I’d like to take the opportunity to say a big thank you to all the committee members that have worked hard to make this conference a success. I’m sure you will join me in sending a particularly big thanks to them.
To conclude, let me wish you an excellent discussion and a pleasant conference. I hope that you find it fruitful and insightful.
Thank you very much.
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh.
