Sulap Matematika untuk Minat dan Motivasi Siswa: Integrasi STEM dan Statistika Kolej Permata Malaysia Mathematical Magic for Students’ Interest and Motivation: Integration of STEM and Statistics at Kolej Permata Malaysia
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Abstract
Mathematical magic shows are considered a creative approach to enhancing students' interest and motivation in learning while reducing anxiety toward mathematics and statistics. The objective of this community service activity is to increase students' interest and motivation in learning mathematics by integrating mathematical magic performances with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities and simple statistical exercises. This community service program was conducted at Kolej Permata Insan, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), involving 30 secondary school students. The activity employed a participatory action research approach with an interactive workshop design, allowing students to engage through demonstrations, discussions, and data-based exercises actively. The magic performance was integrated with STEM activities and basic statistical exercises, including data collection, visualization, and measures of central tendency. Data were collected using pre- and post-test questionnaires on students' interest and motivation. The results indicated significant improvements, with an average increase of 15.25 points in learning interest and 13.51 points in motivation. Students also demonstrated active participation, high enthusiasm, and positive attitudes toward mathematics learning. The accompanying teacher evaluated the program as effective and replicable. Thus, integrating mathematical magic into STEM-based activities has proven effective in stimulating curiosity, fostering statistical literacy, and creating an engaging learning environment. This initiative highlights the potential of innovative cross-country strategies to strengthen mathematics education through creative and collaborative approaches.
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