In celebration of World Maths Day, Review speaks to a local mathematics teacher and asks what are the challenges faced when teaching mathematics at schools.
Estrelita Harmse (B.Ed honours in mathematics) says she has been teaching the subject to gr. 5 to 11 learners for 10 years.
Harmse explains the challenges: “Classes are overcrowded and that makes it almost impossible for the teacher to help learners individually. Primary school principals do not realise how important groundwork in the lower grades is. Teachers who have no experience in the subject are appointed to teach mathematics”.
She says because the teacher does not have experience in mathematics, the learners are not taught the basics of mathematics.
“These challenges can be overcome if the department gives training and support to teachers. The department must also make money available for teachers to upgrade their teaching qualification in mathematics. The department must also appoint more qualified teachers to help with overcrowded classrooms,” says Harmse.
According to Harmse, seeing a child that did not have the concept of mathematics achieve the unthinkable is what makes mathematics enjoyable.
“I think mathematics becomes fun for a child when he or she can use mathematics that they learn in class in their daily lives,” she explains.
Asked what her thoughts are about maths literacy, Harmse says: “The stigma that maths literacy is for learners who are not so bright should be removed. Maths literacy actually helps learners with mathematical problems that they will encounter in their daily lives. Normal mathematics is theory and not practical like maths literacy”.
Harmse supports World Maths Day and says it is a great opportunity for learners to test their abilities and compare it with everyone else around the world.
“I think mathematics should not be compulsory for each and every child. It breaks down confidence in those who are not mathematically inclined,” Harmse says.
World Maths Day was founded in 2007 by an organisation, 3P Learning. It is one of the world’s largest global educational events and is celebrated annually on March 12.
World Maths Day is an international mathematics competition, students from across the globe unite in a celebration of numbers over the Internet, powered by educational resources provider, 3P Learning.
But this year the competition will not take place, 3P Learning confirmed. According to the organisation, starting this year, the event will only be held every second year and not annually as previously.
