Make mathematics teaching interesting -Prof

Abesim (B/A) Sept. 3, GNA - The 34th National Annual Conference of the Mathematical Association of Ghana has opened at Abesim with a call on mathematics teachers to help demystify the study of the subject in schools.

Professor Kwasi Nsiah-Gyabaah, Rector of Sunyani Polytechnic, asked the teachers to consider stages in the development of a child and structure lessons that would help to cultivate and sustain pupils' interest in the subject.

"Most of our students think that mathematics is only for the very brilliant and gifted pupils. However, this is never true. If teachers of mathematics are able to make the subject more practical-oriented at all levels by developing mathematical games, puzzles and quizzes for our pupils, they would find the subject interesting and easy to understand.

"Students will easily understand all the concepts and theories that you present to them. Again, the interest of our students will be rekindled and sustained", he said.

The conference will deliberate on and find solutions to issues relating to the teaching and learning of mathematics in Ghanaian schools under the new education reforms.

It is under theme, "Practical means of dealing with issues arising out of the 2007 new educational reforms in Mathematics".

Professor Nsiah-Gyabaah urged the teachers to, as a matter of urgency, upgrade themselves and take advantage of the ICT revolution and use computers for teaching and learning.

He appealed to teachers who are not computer literate to resolve to acquire computers and avail themselves of opportunities offered by e-learning. The Rector urged stakeholders in education to support the teaching and learning of the subject by providing logistics that would help the mathematics teacher to redouble efforts, vary his or her pedagogic skills in the teaching of the subject and rekindle the interest of the Ghanaian child in the subject. Reverend Father Alex Ansu Ebow, Rector of St. James Seminary Senior High School in Sunyani, expressed the hope that the teachers would see their way forward in dealing with practical issues that arise out of teaching and learning of mathematics under the new educational reforms.

The teaching and learning of mathematics, he stressed, "should be made down to earth rather than ramming and ranting difficult theories and cold mathematical concepts down the throats of already fear-stricken students".

Mr. G. K. Abiw-Abaidoo, President of the Association, said in line with government's policy on private sector participation in education accommodation, the association had acquired a plot of land to put up a secretariat and hostel facilities. He stated that the association had made tremendous contributions to the teaching and learning of mathematics by producing joint schools project mathematics textbook for secondary schools in the 1970s, publication of textbooks for use in primary and junior high schools, among other things.

He appealed to the Ministry of Education to sponsor mathematics workshops in the districts to make all mathematics teachers become abreast with trends in the teaching of the subject. The ministry should also set a standard for mathematics textbooks to be used in all schools, establishment of mathematics laboratories and resource centres manned by experienced and innovative teachers and to recognise the association as a necessary partner in the new educational reforms.

In an address read for him, Mr. Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, expressed optimism that the influence of the association would be felt in the new educational reforms by accepting the challenges and resolving to encourage mathematics teachers to build confidence in their students. He said the government would continue to strive to improve the conditions of service of teachers within the constraints of the economy and to improve on the infrastructure and school equipment.