Mathematics woes

I will take a break from the law to make a contribution to the discussion of the Mathematics problems in SVG. Mind you, the problem is not just Mathematics, but one of finding new and innovative ways of improving the over all standard, at the same time making school more pleasurable and rewarding to the nation’s children. The outcry last week was about the poor results in Mathematics, to be more specific, the large number of “U” (ungraded) results in the Cambridge Advanced Level Examinations for Community College students.{{more}} From the results, the examiners are saying that the performance of some students did not deserve a grade. The grades for Advanced Level range from A to E. If the performance does not meet up to that standard, then there is the pass at “O” level, other wise, the notorious “U”.

No one can underestimate the importance of skills acquired in Mathematics. Most employers on the job market ask for at least a pass at the CXC level. Institutions of higher learning require it for entry purposes. After all, the digital world is upon us, and it requires us to understand and equip ourselves with the mathematical skills for our own existence. Many students struggle with Mathematics in school, and are satisfied with a bare pass at CXC and be rid of it forever. After CXC some would have nothing else to do with it, and only the few would continue with it at advanced level. This is a small number, in comparison to the number of passes at the Common Entrance Examination.

The chance of doing well in Math is much better today than it was some ten years ago. More Mathematics books are now available to the average child. Doing well in school depends on several factors, including having the relevant books which are simple and user friendly. A good Math text should have worked examples for all the essential concepts. It should explain mathematics concepts in simple steps. It should have exercises for independent practice and should carry the answers at the back. Students are to be encouraged to do independent work and to check answers only after an attempt was made at working out the examples. Mathematics requires time, practice, patience and dedication. Unless one is a genius, one cannot expect to remember a process or develop a skill without spending time working out practice examples.

How are successes to be attained with so many competing interests in the life of today’s student? There are students who would race through their home work to watch television. Since television is such an attraction then it should be taken to the class room or the classroom be brought to television. In short, there should be a Math tutor on television, so that if children did not grasp a concept in the classroom there would be another chance on television. We need to make more use of modern technology, not only in Mathematics but also in all areas of our children’s education.

There is nothing as satisfying as working out a difficult Math problem. Children must be motivated to accept challenges, and here is where the parent and teacher could play a part. Parents should make sure that their children spend more time studying, and they could ensure this by just being there while their children are studying. Teachers should only consider their work finished when every child masters the essential skills on their checklist. Teachers should consider the learning needs and the problem of every child in his class. There are children who would grasp a concept in the general classroom lecture, and those who must be given individual attention. Do not give up on any child!

Ada Johnson is a solicitor and barrister-at-law.
E-mail address is: exploringthelaw@yahoo.com