Constant practice of mathematics eliminates fear

The Director of Schools and Instructions, Patty Assan, has urged students to constantly practice mathematics to eliminate the perceived fear associated with the subject.

“My dear learners, solving one mathematics problem a day keeps you closer to loving Mathematics,” she added.

Mrs Assan, speaking at an event to commemorate the National Mathematics Day in Accra said both the teacher factor and the learner factor were the two main areas to consider if “we needed to deal with this phobia. “

According to her, the other factor that contributed to the phobia of mathematics was the learner factor, indicating that mathematics as a subject required constant practice.

The Director added that the pedagogy used in teaching mathematics was key in demystifying, arousing and sustaining the interest of learners in grasping the concepts, methods and techniques in solving mathematical problems.

She said when basic mathematical concepts and skills were not taught well it became difficult to build on them, thereby making it difficult for learners to grasp complex ones which would lead to low self- confidence and a total fear of the subject.

“Usage of such tricks and approach by students are perfectly fine as the ultimate aim is to get oneself versed with the concept,” she added.

Mrs Assan said it was also essential that these concepts were linked to real life experiences as teachers teach so that learners would appreciate the fact that it forms an integral part of their survival as humans.

According to her, sometimes some topics were more understood when different methods or approaches were used and students might invent their own arithmetic symbols or pictures or their own concepts through which they understood the topic.

“It is against this background that we celebrate the National Mathematics Day and I believe that this year’s activities are going to help demystify the subject, arouse and sustain the interest of both teachers and learners as well as create an in-depth awareness of the importance of Mathematics for a better world,” she said.

The Director of Science Education Unit, GES, Olivia Serwaa Opare, commended all Ghanaian mathematicians for their good work over the years, especially the late Professor Francis Allotey.

Madam Olivia also commended Professor Sitsofe Enyonam Anku for setting up the day for Ghanaian child to realize the importance of mathematics.

She expressed the hope that the perception of the subject mathematics would change going forward after listening to all the great presentations from the seasoned experts.

“Everyone is a mathematician, because we deploy the concept of mathematics in our daily activities.

“The more you practice, the more you know. The more you know, the confident you become and the fear is gone,” she added.

The Science Education Unit (National STEM Centre) of Ghana Education Service (GES) in collaboration with the Ghana Mathematics Society (GMS) have adopted February 14 of every year to be observed as National Mathematics Day.

This year’s event, which was held virtually was on the theme: “Mathematics for a Better World.”

The objective of celebrating the day is to raise awareness of the importance of Mathematics.