Making mathematics classes more humanistic

Abstract

Humanistic mathematics class is a class that can make each student learn mathematics enthusiastically. Such classes respect individual differences and pay attention to students' psychology in learning mathematics, such as motivation, math-anxiety, and belief toward mathematics. Such classes underline the students' human aspects to be considered in the learning process, such as students' mind, hearts, feelings, and emotions. Such classes are needed to create a harmonious relationship between teacher-students and students. This harmonious relationship has the potential to help each student achieve their optimal achievement. From the study of several references it can be concluded that to make mathematics classes more humanist, the teachers need to: (1) motivating the students by demonstrating the usefulness or beauty of mathematics at the beginning of learning; (2) do not start learning by providing definitions or formulas; (3) controlling their emotion and full of enthusiasm throughout the lesson; (4) giving fair attention to all students; (5) giving a respect for every student's learning progress; and (6) making varied learning activities, including discussion, singing, poetry reading, watching videos or outdoor activities such as playing games, doing mini research, or buying and selling in shops/markets.