Yesterday I attended a seminar by Prof. Yohanes Surya, the topic was Learning Physics without Using Formula. It was an eye-opening to see how simple and fun physics could be.
When I was studying physics in junior high school, it was all about formula, inputting the correct number into the formula and hopefully getting the right result. I used to just memorise what went where without understanding the concept and principle behind the formula. I think a lot of teachers in Indonesia still teach their students this way, giving the formula and doing calculations. No wonder a lot of students get lost in the jungle of formula and hate physics.
When I went to study in Newman College, Perth, Australia, the teachers used completely different approach. Physics was about understanding the concept, doing experiments and explaining the application of physics in everyday life. It took me quite awhile to adjust to this kind of method, but at the end it was a very rewarding.
Prof. Yohanes Surya has a vision of changing the face of physics in Indonesia, a simpler and friendlier physics where students can learn and understand easily. Together with Gramedia, he has written some physics textbook for junior high school level. He also teaches the teachers how to teach the subject. Let's pray that he will be successful in his quest.
Learn and Grow!
Inge Santoso
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