Practitioner Lecture for the Statistical Methods Course with Mrs. Fatmasari Damayanti, M.Si., from BPS
On November 18, 2024, the Bachelor of Mathematics Study Program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Bengkulu University, held a practitioner lecture for first-semester students. This session, part of the Statistical Methods course, featured Mrs. Fatmasari Damayanti, M.Si., a professional from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS). The inclusion of practitioners in the curriculum is an initiative of the Merdeka Campus Competition Program (PKKM), aimed at enriching the students’ learning experience by providing real-world insights into the relevance and application of statistics.
The session began with an introduction by the course lecturer, who presented Mrs. Fatmasari to the participants. Mrs. Fatmasari emphasized the critical role of statistics in decision-making across government, business, and society. She then delivered a presentation on fundamental statistical concepts commonly applied at BPS, including data collection, data processing, and statistical analysis. By sharing real-world examples from demographic, economic, and social data, students were introduced to the practical workings of statistics in a professional setting.
A key focus of the lecture was the importance of statistical methods in surveys and censuses. Mrs. Fatmasari detailed the stages of survey implementation, from planning and field data collection to presenting results in statistical reports. She also highlighted challenges faced by BPS, such as data validation, access limitations in remote areas, and ensuring respondent data confidentiality. Students responded enthusiastically to the session, which included real-world case studies such as the 2020 Population Census and ongoing creative economy surveys by BPS.
The interactive discussion session was another highlight, giving students the opportunity to ask Mrs. Fatmasari about various aspects of working at BPS and the practical applications of statistical methods. This interaction provided students with a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities they might encounter in the field of statistics.
The practitioner lecture offered significant benefits, enhancing students’ understanding of how statistical knowledge is applied in real-world scenarios. By engaging directly with a professional, students gained insights not only into theoretical concepts but also their implementation on a larger scale. Additionally, the session helped students better prepare for future academic and professional challenges. This experience allowed them to see the connections between their coursework and real-world needs, motivating them to continue honing their analytical skills.
This event exemplifies the Bachelor of Mathematics Study Program’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and the professional world. Through the PKKM program, students are provided opportunities to learn directly from experts, improving the quality of education while strengthening networks between educational institutions and professional organizations like BPS. It is hoped that this lecture will inspire students to learn more, sharpen their skills, and prepare themselves to become outstanding professionals in the fields of mathematics and statistics.
