“We have got the teaching of mathematics wrong at all levels, but the most serious level is the lower level. The way mathematics is taught at the lower level, if not properly addressed, then the students would move to the higher level with that misconception or erroneous impression about mathematical concepts, and even if you provided the person the best information at the higher level, by then, the damage would have always been done. Largely, the problem is how mathematics is taught at the lower level.”
Professor Kwara Nantomah, the Dean of the Mathematical Sciences at the C.K. Tedam University of Technological and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), said this about the subject on the occasion of the International Day of Mathematics (IDM).
Professor Nantomah explained that to pique interest in the subject, some changes would have to be made.
“The first thing is to realise or admit that there are problems in the way mathematics is taught at the lower level. Then, we would be able to put in place structures for training people to teach mathematics and also embark on an aggressive campaign to reduce fear of mathematics at the lower level. Some of them have the ability to perform in mathematics, but because of the fear, [they are unable to pursue it],” he said.
What is the International Day of Mathematics?
The International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is a global celebration, which takes place on the 14th of March.
The IDM is led and organised by the International Mathematical Union and many countries and organisations around the world take part.
What is the theme of the International Day of Mathematics?
Each year the worldwide event focuses on a particular theme. The aim of the themes is to connect mathematics to all sorts of subjects, fields and ideas, spark creativity and provide focus to the event.
This year the theme is Mathematics for Everyone. Why not add this colourful Mathematics for Everyone Banner to your classroom displays in preparation for the event?
It focuses on the powerful quality mathematics has to unite us; no matter where we are from, the unique language of maths is something we all have in common.
Mathematics also plays a big part in other areas that untie us as humans, for example, arts, music, games and science. That’s why this event offers a fantastic opportunity to show young learners how important (and fun!) mathematics is.
Pi Day:
March the 14th is also celebrated around the world as the annual Pi Day. Pi is approximately 3.14 and the date is written as 3/14 in some countries.
History of the International Day of Mathematics:
The IDM is a relatively new event and was first celebrated in 2020 on the 14th of March. The goal was and still is to encourage, support and assist international mathematics activities and further development of mathematics.
The theme for the first year was ‘Mathematics is Everywhere.’ The focus was to explore how mathematics is found in science, technology, art, games, and many other activities and subjects.
Previously, the theme of the event has also been ‘Mathematics for a Better World’. The idea was similar – it showcased how mathematics is used all around us, but the focus was more on how mathematics improves our lives. From artificial intelligence to designing rockets and satellites, mathematical codes help make those inventions a reality.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
