The Significance of Ethnomathematics Learning: A Cross-Cultural Perspectives Between Indonesian and Thailand Educators

Abstract

The field of ethnomathematics holds significance in the pursuit of comprehending how students can grasp, express, manipulate, and ultimately apply mathematical concepts. However, ethnomathematics is also considered a complex concept in Asian countries such as Indonesia and Thailand, which can pose challenges as it needs to be comprehensively understood. This research aims to fill the gap by understanding the cross-cultural perspective of mathematics educators in Indonesia and Thailand. The participants were lecturers, teachers, and pre-service teachers. Data was gathered through questionnaires and interviews. The analytical approach involved were data reduction, data presentation, drawing conclusions or verification, and data validity. Positive responses were indicated by mathematics educators with the average scores of respondents in Indonesia at 4.77 and Thailand at 4.57. This research concludes the importance of integrating ethnomathematics in education, which is closely tied to cultural development, emphasizing the crucial role of employing comprehensive strategies in its implementation.