UWI brings math to life
Published:Monday | April 18, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Keisha Hill, Gleaner Writer
THE UNSATISFACTORY performance of students in mathematics and the low levels of numeracy which pervade the Jamaican educational system have forced the University of the West Indies, Mona, to develop a mathematics competition to address the problem.
The grade-nine mathematics problem-solving competition is hosted by the Science, Mathematics and Information Technology Centre in the Department of Educational Studies.
According to head of the department, Dr Beverley Bryan, the competition is designed to encourage students to develop an appreciation for the subject.
Bryan said in keeping with the objective of demonstrating the relevance and application of mathematics to real-life scenarios, students are exposed to problem-solving tools and to recognise its relevance in everyday situations.
"A rule that is essential to math, is problem solving. Problem solving is a way of thinking, and an important part of development. We have problems to solve and if we can start with the subjects that are taught in schools, starting with math, then we can apply the rules and translate them in other subjects. We want to encourage teachers to think in this way," Bryan said.
Springboard
According to Camella Buddo, mathematics lecturer, the subject underpins science and technology and many other areas of study. In addition, it provides the springboard for the development of problem-solving skills, which are necessary in this globalised and competitive world.
Buddo said the problem-solving competition is multifaceted, explaining that students are given the opportunity to develop not only the necessary skills in writing their solutions, but also collaboration and teamwork to come up with solutions. The students are also given the chance to argue and defend their positions.
Dr Yee Han Peter Joong, assistant professor in math education, and coordinator of the competition, said poor attitude towards the subject is evident among many students, noting that some view mathematics as being of little use to them outside of school. He said teachers must begin to change this perception.
"Teachers have to be trained. They have to practise how to do cooperative learning, and to do activities in the classroom. Students learn from these activities. When they learn from the teacher, they do not remember a lot," Joong said.
However, math teacher at St Jago High School, Ian Thomas, said even when the classes are activity-oriented, students are often reluctant to think, understand or reason the problems.
"They want the teachers to give them the answers, they even develop counterstrategies to go around the teacher to get the information. They do not want to develop or apply problem-solving skills," Thomas said.
Students from 50 schools across Jamaica participated in the competition that involved four problems that each school team, consisting of four members, was required to solve.