Unlocking the Potential of Mathematics in Education and Technology
In today’s world, mathematics often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. This opinion was shared by Serhiy Tokarev, co-founder of Roosh Ventures Investments, in his column on Speka.
“As someone with over two decades in the tech industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this perception can be limiting. Many believe that for most people, math stops at simple addition and multiplication. Beyond that, topics like logarithms are seen as reserved for specialists — teachers or scientists”, — businessman said.
He claims that mathematics is the backbone of all technological advancements. It’s crucial for coding, launching satellites, and even everyday activities like finding a pancake recipe online. Search algorithms rely on probability, statistics, and linear algebra to prioritize search results.
This isn’t a new issue
“I remember my own school days, when math wasn’t my favorite subject. Recently, my son asked me how to build a ship that wouldn’t sink. While I could recall Archimedes’ Principle, I struggled to explain the calculations involved. I suspect many parents face similar challenges”, — Serhiy Tokarev adds.
The entrepreneur believes that despite its real-world applications, math is often taught as an isolated subject in school curricula. Students fail to see its practical value. A study by Oxford University suggests that learning math enhances problem-solving, memory, and analytical skills.
In his words, in Ukraine, the quality of math education has declined recently. The pandemic in 2020 forced a shift to online learning, which lacks the effectiveness of in-person classes. Following this, the full-scale invasion introduced further disruptions, with students taking shelter during attacks or missing classes due to power outages. Many students had to relocate, adding stress and obstacles to their learning journey.
According to UNICEF, approximately 45% of Ukrainian teachers report a decline in students’ math proficiency. This is partly because only a third of students in grades 1-9 receive consistent in-person education.
Improving the Situation
Drawing on his experience as a parent and involvement in educational projects, Serhiy Tokarev identifies several solutions that will help raise the level of math teaching in Ukrainian schools.
Enhancing math instruction. Teachers hold the key to imparting the knowledge that underpins our world. The challenge lies in conveying this information in an engaging and effective manner.
Facilitating experience sharing. Establish platforms where math teachers can exchange successful teaching strategies and tools. Some initiatives are already emerging in Ukraine. For instance, the STEM is FEM project launched the country’s first STEM ecosystem this year, offering a platform for teacher interactions, training, and mentorship.
International collaboration. Learning from other countries is crucial. Singapore, for instance, developed a math program that has gained international acclaim. Singapore Math focuses on practical application over theory, involving students in hands-on activities before introducing abstract concepts. This approach has led Singaporean students to excel in international competitions and education quality assessments like PISA and TIMSS.
How did the country accomplish this? In simple terms: minimal theory, maximum practice. Singaporean students engage in movement, drawing, watching videos, and observing the world around them. They study rules and formulas only at the end of the lessons. If the topic is circles, they work with hoops; if it’s graphs, they investigate a phenomenon and create graphs based on their findings. The process begins with concrete examples and gradually shifts to abstract concepts.
Ukraine can benefit from adopting foreign education practices and independent projects. Creating a space for dialogue will enable educators to learn from others’ experiences and implement those that align with the country’s needs.
Increasing education funding. Investment is essential for development. By directing funds towards educational projects and collaboration platforms, and equipping teachers with necessary tools, we can enhance the quality of education despite ongoing challenges.
Enhancing Teacher Prestige. Highlighting the importance of educators can inspire more to join the profession. Documentaries showcasing their efforts during wartime, along with awards and panel discussions, can help raise the profile of teaching as a respected and rewarding career.
“The task ahead is substantial, but mathematics is a cornerstone of progress across numerous fields. By combining governmental and business efforts, we can nurture a generation poised to transform the world”, — summarizes Serhiy Tokarev.
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