Low patronage of mathematics blamed on inappropriate teaching methods

Sekondi, July 6, GNA - Mr Abdusalam A. Daramanu, Western Regional Director of Education on Saturday attributed the low patronage of mathematics by students to the poor attitude and inappropriate teaching methods used by teachers. He expressed regret that many brilliant students saw the subject as "a no go area", and did not pursue it to any higher level in their education.

Mr Daramanu made the point at a day's workshop and conference of the Western Region branch of the Mathematical Association of Ghana (MAG) at Sekondi on Saturday. He noted that mathematics as a subject could not be ignored in any sector of the country's development and called on teachers to make the teaching and learning of the subject more interesting to their students. The regional director advised teachers to assist students to build up their confidence in mathematics adding "it is not true that students hate the subject but teachers have rather failed to make the subject attractive."

Mr Mac Theophilus Acquaye, Western Regional Chairman of MAG said the association had been in existence since the early 1960 and aimed at promoting the teaching and learning of mathematics in schools and among teachers. He appealed to mathematics teachers within the region, to join the association.

Book prizes were later presented to some pupils and students who excelled in mathematical a quiz organised by the association. Master Andrew Akoto of Chapel Hill Nursery emerged winner in the primary level while that of the junior secondary and senior secondary schools went to Francis Bilson of the West Ridge and Robert Sarfo-Appiah of the Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) respectively.