Mathematics teachers urged to update their knowledge

Professor Sitsofe Anku, Executive Director of Meagasa Mathematics Academy, has urged teachers to update their knowledge and skills through constant reading and attending workshops to be abreast of current mathematical concepts.

Prof Anku said poor quality teaching of mathematics is as a result of unpreparedness on the part of teachers which leads to cognitive incompetence.

He was speaking at the opening of the National Training of Trainers of mathematics in Accra organised by Ghana Mathematics Society and supported by Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service.

The event was on the theme: “Revamping Mathematics Education in Ghana through Transformation.”

The two- week workshop, which brings together participants from Upper East, Upper West, Brong Ahafo and the Ashanti Regions, aims at transforming the minds of the participants to understand the concept of mathematics and teach students to appreciate the study of mathematics.

Prof Anku noted that the current attitude of some mathematics teachers such as poor classroom interaction, poor time management and poor quality teaching should be put to an end.

He urged the teachers to think outside the box and be creative in their mode of teaching since some of them do not understand the basic concept of mathematics and finds it difficult to inculcate the knowledge of the subject into the students for easy comprehension.

Prof Anku tasked teachers not to allow students to be passive learners but should ensure that their skills are well utilised to enable them understand the subject.

He asked teachers to consider the stipulated factors such as best teaching method, identification of instructional materials, mode of presentation of instructions, how and when students should participate, time management and evaluation techniques to enhance teaching.

Ms Dorothy Gordon, Director General of Advanced Information Technology Institute at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, called on teachers to focus more on less brilliant students in class to improve their knowledge.

She called on mathematics teachers to demystify the subject in the minds of children by evolving innovative ways of teaching and making it exciting for students to enjoy learning the subject.