...We'll Improve On Our 92% Performance Rate In Mathematics - TGPS, Dr. Yinka Ayandele
AgegePulse Magazine
The need for teachers especially Mathematics tutors to adopt students-centered teaching methods during Mathematics classes took the center stage at the 2018 Annual Seminar for Mathematics Teachers in Lagos Education District One comprising Agege, Alimosho, Ifako Ijaye respectfully.
Dr. Awofala, O.A, of the Department of Science & Technology, Faculty of Education, Unilag, Akoka, during his presentation tagged "Reinventing Mathematics Teaching Through Innovative Pedagogy," noted that most students fail Mathematics because teachers do not put the learning and real-life application of mathematical pedagogy as end products of teaching the subject in the classroom.
He charged mathematics teachers to be more logical in providing solutions to aspects of the subject that students find difficult, urging to be cerebral in approach while teaching mathematics.
"Most teachers put themselves at the center in class, bossing the process of teaching mathematics. This makes students learn the subject through fear and confusion. We must adopt "Leaner Centred Pedagogy rather than conventional 'Teachers Centred Pedagogy' if we want our students to see the importance of Mathematics application in their daily life activities."
"Apart from having mastery of the subject, teachers must have effective pedagogy to affect the three domains of the students learning process. This would afford teachers to identify the hidden potentials of students for effective learning." Dr Awofala advised.
He listed some time tested innovative pedagogy that Mathematics teachers could adopt for effective teaching of the subject. They include; Corporative Learning, Lessons Study Method, Problem Based Learning, Personalisation of discussion amongst others.
Dr Awofala continued: "Effective application of any of the pedagogy would foster students' conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning and productive disposition that helps students formulate problems and solve them.
The second presentation tagged "Achieving Education Promise by Leveraging Digital Technology" delivered by Mr Adeniyi Oluokun - Digital Microsoft Expert, was also an eye opener for the Mathematics teachers at the seminar.
Mr Adeniyi identified the known fact that Mathematics is an achill heel to many students but revealed that by using technology, educational video materials to buttress the conceptual teaching, students will find it rather easy to understand the topics being discussed.
In a well thought-out slide presentation, Adeniyi highlighted how today's students are technologically inclined. Hence, the need to use what they love doing to catch their attention rather than using their precious time online without impact.
Speaking at the event, the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary of Education District 1, Dr. Yinka Ayandele appreciated the members of Mathematical Association of Nigeria for the concerted efforts geared towards successful teaching of Mathematics in EDDI.
Dr Ayandele revealed that EDDI is the only district organising annual seminar for Mathematics teachers in Lagos State, adding that the gathering alongside other creative measures introduced to address arithmetic phobia among students, endeared the district to achieve a 92% pass rate in the last West African Examination Council examination.
"EDDI had best result in Mathematics of the just concluded WAEC with a 92% pass rate. Today, we are moving away from just performance to application of mathematical knowledge in the day to day experiences of our students. We want our teachers to take the subject with great passion in order to ensure students develop natural interest in learning the subject Mathematics." Dr Ayandele assured.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Coordinator of MAN in EDDI, Mrs. A.B. Agunbiade stated that training the trainers has always been the objectives of the seminar since inception. She stressed that the annual event and is designed to expose teachers to latest methodologies aimed at providing tailored solutions to challenges facing mathematics teachers.
She said, "The peer mentoring program (PMP), Intra and Inter Zonal Mathematics competitions that was introduced by the TG/ PS, Dr. Yinka Ayandele who is the Architect of Mathematical success in the district, has given us the courage to combat war against poor performance in mathematics (WAPPIM) in our schools".
Agunbiade reeled out some of the association's achievements which include 5years university education scholarship by Touch_A_Life organization under Touch_A_Life maths/science competition won by Master Ezenuala Ekene Franklin of Meiran Community Senior Secondary School and Silver Medal Award at the KFS International Mathematics Award recently.
The program was capped with an Award ceremony to reward outstanding performance among students and teachers within the district.
