Melbourne Graduate School of Education Science and Mathematics Education

Wanty Widjaja
PhD - Mathematics education (research degree)

I started to develop a strong interest in mathematics education when I was in high school in Indonesia influenced by my mathematics teachers. From then on decided to study and work in the mathematics education area. My PhD research looked at designing instruction to improve pre-service teachers' content and pedagogical ideas in decimal numeration in an Indonesian context. In line with the current reform effort in Indonesian mathematics education, my design accommodated RME theory in the design.

I am now a lecturer in mathematics education at Deakin University in Australia. Previously, I had a lecturer position in a teacher education institution in Indonesia and then worked at the National Institute of Education in Singapore. As well as being a strong foundation for my academic career, I hope that the research experience I gained in my PhD study will help me to contribute in strengthening mathematics education in Indonesia and other countries. I expect to extend the collaborative work established during my study in order to contribute further to international studies in mathematics education. My thesis resulted in several publications.

Peter Hadji
MEd (Mathematics education by research)

I completed a B. Science (majors in Pure and Applied Mathematics) and in addition I completed a Major in LOTE (Greek) as part of an Arts Degree.Mathematics was my passion and so after a four year degree I decided to continue at the University of Melbourne’s Education Graduate School. I thoroughly enjoyed both the theoretical and the practical aspects of education. Being a good mathematician is not enough to convey the message to children. We need both the deep knowledge and understanding of Mathematics as well as the pedagogical foundations of how children learn.
Straight after completing my Diploma of Education, I was employed at excellent schools . Concurrently I continued my post- graduate studies and completed a B.Ed and then the MEd. II feel that by combining academic studies and direct school experience you conquer the ins and outs of the educational arena.

My most recent research was titled “Evaluating student performance and understanding of Mathematics when teaching with Computer Algebra Systems”
I would like to extend my career path into the most senior leadership position in a secondary school, maybe Deputy Principal or a Principal.By continuing my research in mathematics education and also being a classroom teacher will provide the fundamental needs for any leader in educational institutions. Research, learn, teach, lead and administer. The cycle of a school life.