by : Dr. Marsigit, M.A.

reviewed by : Dewi Widowati

With Microsoft Office 2007 we able to develop geometry learning at school. Microsoft Office 2007 comes with SmartArt Graphic so that users can create different kinds of graphs. With SmartArt graphics tools we able to create different kinds of geometry two-dimensional or 3 dimensional. With SmartArt graphics devices we also able to do animation on the graphic as well as add various text for an explanation of the picture. Basic forms of geometry can be obtained from the menu "Insert" by selecting sub-menu "Shapes". Geometry basic structure is available on the menu "Basic Shapes".

To draw a three-dimensional geometry or solids we use the Format Object (3-D Format pane). Three-dimensional geometry can be made with observing to the above, pedestal, height, width and length. For that, use the commands "Top" for the upper hand, "Width" for the width, "Height" to high, "Bottom" for the base. To assign a color to use the command "Contours". Basic geometric objects can be obtained from the "AutoShapes" with clicking "Drawing Toolbar". Basic geometry can be obtained by a square, pentagon, hexagon and octagon. Those objects can be created by copying and filling in color and can do circular movements with "Free Rotate tool". To get the "Drawing" menu, open the window "View" then clicking "Drawing". Basic geometry can be obtained from the "Basic Shapes" by pulling or "dragged" to the destination. Use the "AutoShapes" from "Microsoft Word Drawing Tools" to draw different shaped geometry of space. Solids regular objects can be obtained by drawing up a lot of flat facet (polygon). By selecting "3D", the polygonal shapes can be converted to solids. Make sure that we have "Drawing" facilities in Microsoft Word 2007.

The use of Microsoft Word 2007 can be done easily because the software is available on all new-generation computers. The skills to make basic geometry objects using Microsoft Word 2007 facilities can be developed to make more complex geometries objects, such as three-dimensional geometry objects. The skills can be improved to study aspects of geometry with a higher standard of competence, for example to determine the value of pi. From the above description can be concluded as follows:

a.         The use of Microsoft Word 2007 is relatively easy to do by the teacher because this software is in new generation of computers.

b.        The use of Microsoft Word 2007 will add to the motivation and pleasure in studying geometry.

c.     Students can use Microsoft Word 2007 to study the geometry either independently or through collaboration.

d.        By using Microsoft Word 2007, students can conduct an investigation or inquiry to the concepts of geometry.

e.   By using Microsoft Word 2007, students can perform activities problem solving or solving mathematical problems.

f.          By using Microsoft Word 2007, students can communicate their results to both the teacher and other friends.

 by: Dr. Marsigit, M.A.

reviewed by: Dewi Widowati

If we, the teachers want the renewal of mathematics education, mathematics education research it will become a necessity. Apart from the formal legal aspects of mathematics education research activities either by teachers, lecturers as well as by prospective teachers will give many benefits. With the study of mathematics education we can know the existence of differences in individuals or groups to study the mathematics, we can determine the position of students on a group, able to compare learning outcomes between groups. We can also do a match between objectives and results of learning outcomes: whether the standard of competence or basic competence has been achieved?

The results of the study can be used for refining the program, mentoring, provision of information to the public. Besides that we also can do a comparison between the performances and the criteria for each dimension of the program as well as refining the program and the inference results of mathematics education as a whole. Then we can conduct studies about the implementation of the program, the influence of the learning environment, the influence of the program, curriculum or syllabus of learning outcomes, and in the end used for the improvement of mathematics education program as a whole.

Because it is not too excessive, if teachers are given a suggestion that educational research activities is always attached with mathematics learning activities. More specifically, before learning of mathematics held, then the teacher should do things as a preparatory step as follows:

Planning for mathematics learning environment

-          Determine the necessary teaching resources

-          Plan activities that are flexible

-          Plan the physical environment of learning mathematics.

-          Involve students in creating mathematical learning environment.

Develop students' social environment

-          Plan activities to work together.

-          Encourage students to appreciate each other.

-          Browse the feelings of students about mathematics

-          To develop mathematical models.

Plan mathematical activities

-          Plan mathematical activities are balanced in terms of: matter, time, trouble, activities,  etc..

-          Plan mathematical activities that are open (open-ended)

-          Plan activities according to students' abilities.

-          Development of mathematical topics.

-          Build mental for mathematic.

-          When and where to help students?

-          Use a variety of teaching resources (varying books).