
Eliminating math fear and modernizing the education system
Sadia Sultana Rimi
In today's world, the need for modernization of the education system is increasing day by day with the accelerating pace of scientific, technological and economic changes. Among these, mathematics is gaining special importance, which not only increases proficiency in a single subject but also plays a special role in developing problem-solving, logical thinking and innovative abilities. Nevertheless, the feeling of fear of mathematics remains a widespread problem among many students and learners. Mathematical phobia is a condition in which students find the subject of mathematics difficult, unrealistic and psychologically challenging.
Meanwhile, the current education system has many outdated concepts, strategies, and structures that can hinder the overall development of students. The absence of modern technology and innovative teaching techniques can affect the development of students' creativity and critical thinking.
Math fear can be caused by a lack of personal confidence, misconceptions or social prejudice. Many students grow up in an environment where mathematics is shown to be very difficult and weak. If they receive such negative feedback from teachers, parents or classmates, it is stored in the student's mind and later they become discouraged in learning mathematics. Conventional teaching methods such as rote learning or memorization are unable to teach the deep concepts of mathematics. In many cases, the subject of mathematics is presented as just a collection of numbers and formulas, which reduces the curiosity and problem-solving attitude among students. As a result, interest in mathematics is lost and fear is created. In a stressful testing system, students consider the results centrally, which develops an unhealthy competitive attitude among students. One of the reasons for math fear is that students do not receive proper guidance during various types of tests and assessments due to fear of making mistakes, as a result of which their performance and thinking speed slow down. Math fear not only negatively affects the level of education, but also the psychological development of students. Self-esteem decreases in students who fail to overcome obstacles in mathematics before they can apply them to other subjects.
To overcome fear of math, it is very important to bring creativity and understanding into the teaching method.
Interactive Learning: The use of technology and interactive methods in the classroom, such as digital tools, video lectures, online quizzes, and virtual reality, can create curiosity among students. In this, students learn to discover for themselves and try to solve problems on their own.
Gamification: Teaching math through educational games attracts students' attention and makes the subject more interesting. For example, small rewards, game challenges, and team competitions for solving problems make math concepts easier to grasp.
Creative Project-Based Learning: Students' problem-solving skills can be enhanced by creating projects on real-life problems. This shows the practical application of mathematics and makes students feel more connected to the subject.
Teachers and parents can play an important role in creating positive attitudes toward mathematics in students.
Motivational speech: If teachers present mathematics as a part of life and give interesting examples, students will start to feel better and more active. If parents also highlight the importance and application of mathematics at home, students will become more interested in the subject.
Competent Training Workshops: It is very important to regularly train teachers on the use of modern teaching techniques and technology. This way, teachers can improve their own skills and provide the highest quality education to students.
Multimedia materials: When teachers have multimedia materials such as videos, images, and animations at their disposal, they can explain difficult math concepts in a simple way. This creates interest in the subject among students and makes the process of overcoming fear easier.
Instead of the traditional testing system, it is highly necessary to emphasize qualitative assessment of students.
Effective assessment methods: Continuous assessment can help students focus on their continuous improvement. This will help students learn continuously rather than worrying too much about one-time mistakes.
Project and Practical Assessment: By introducing project-based assessment and practical tests in addition to exams, students get the opportunity to work on the subject hands-on and understand the practical application of the concepts.
Assessment on different concepts: Instead of just numerical skills, students should also be assessed on their problem-solving process, thinking and creativity. This will make them more intrinsically interested in the learning process.
With the advancement of technology, the use of technology in the education system has become essential.
Online Learning Platforms: In today's world, online learning platforms like Canvas, Google Classroom, Yutya Shiksha App, etc. help students in various ways. These platforms provide short and clear explanations, examples and problem-solving methods for mathematics.
Interactive Software: Students can familiarize themselves with mathematical formulas and equations using various interactive software. For example, GeoGebra, Will Cam, and other mathematical software can be used to examine different aspects of a problem.
Digital Resources and Webinars: Various educational institutions and educators around the world are conducting webinars, online seminars, and tutorials to improve mathematics education, introducing students to modern concepts and technology.
Modernization of the education system: Challenges and possibilities
The first major challenge in the path of modernization of the education system is the weakness of infrastructure. Many educational institutions still have old and inadequate equipment and are completely disconnected from various modern technologies including electricity and internet facilities. This creates obstacles in the way of students getting the highest quality education. It is very important for teachers to become proficient with modern technology and teaching techniques. At present, many teachers still follow traditional methods that do not help in developing creative and critical thinking in students. Therefore, it is very important to make teachers and other education representatives aware of modern teaching techniques by organizing regular training workshops. There is also a need to modernize the current education policy and textbook formulation process. If textbooks and teaching materials are presented in a way that is linked to real-life problems, the interest of students will increase. Modernization of textbooks: Instead of limiting the curriculum to the pages of books alone, interactive, multimedia and project-based learning materials should be added. This will enhance practical skills along with text-based learning. Multi-faceted assessment methods: Instead of relying solely on written assessments, students should be assessed through group work, projects, and practical exams.
There is a need to introduce student-centered thinking in the current education system. It is very important to increase autonomy, creativity, and morality among students.
Personal Development: Various workshops, meditation and psychology-based activities can be organized for the mental and physical development of students. This will help students develop themselves better and independently.
Critical Thinking: In mathematics and other scientific subjects, students should develop skills in problem-solving processes, reasoning, and analytical methods, rather than focusing solely on the answers.
Collaborative Learning: Students can learn from each other through group projects and peer support. This improves social and academic skills through group-based learning.
A concerted effort to eliminate math fear and modern education system
Educational institutions should adopt a comprehensive plan through which it is possible to eliminate math fear and organize the process of modernizing education.
Latest learning materials and platforms: Institutions need to integrate modern technology and ensure the use of online resources, mobile applications, and interactive software.
Practice rooms and research centers: Students can be provided with opportunities to enhance research, innovative thinking, and creativity by setting up special practice rooms and research centers in institutions.
The government should adopt a far-reaching education policy that includes modern technology, training programs, and increased public awareness.
Financial support and grants: Various government grants and assistance should be provided for the development of mathematics education and modern teaching technologies. This will facilitate the adoption of new ideas in collaboration with private and government institutions.
Training Workshops and Seminars: Teachers and educators can be trained in the use of modern teaching techniques and technology by organizing regular government training workshops.
Distance is accelerating the transformation process of global education. Sharing teaching methods, technologies, and research experiences from different developed countries will help make our education system more modern, dynamic, and student-friendly.
Foreign academic exchange: Teachers and students can be introduced to global teaching methods through international projects, conferences, and academic research.
Online International Courses and Workshops: It is possible to take courses from various international online platforms and get acquainted with modern teaching methods through webinars. This will enable students to keep themselves updated with world-class educational materials and contemporary concepts.
Current challenges and future directions
The rapidly changing environment of information technology is providing a new direction for the renewal and modernization of the education system. In the past few years, online education, AI-based tutorials and virtual reality teaching methods have been widely adopted by teachers. In the future, we will see more reliance on these technologies which will play a significant role in eliminating math anxiety.
Increasing the connection between industry and education is crucial in modernizing the education system. Students should be given emphasis not only on conceptual knowledge but also on practical skills to solve real-life problems.
Industry Internship: Students can be provided with practical experience opportunities by arranging internship programs and project work with various industrial organizations and corporate houses.
Journalism and Research: If students research various issues in industry and technology, it will strengthen their creative and critical thinking skills.
Modern education does not only depend on subject knowledge; it also requires the development of students' personal, social and moral qualities. Increasing students' confidence and interest is very important in eliminating math fear.
Psychological support: Positive attitudes can be promoted among students by organizing counseling services and mental health programs in schools, colleges, and universities.
Social Activities: Students' confidence and leadership qualities can be developed through group activities, creative work, and social initiatives.
Eliminating math fear and modernizing the education system plays a crucial role not only in the academic success of students, but also in their overall development. Mathematics is a subject that is not just a sum of numbers, but also a unique way to develop the power of reasoning, criticism, problem-solving and innovative thinking. Interactive and gamification techniques in the teaching method, positive attitudes of teachers and parents, and the integrated use of technology will help students overcome their fear of mathematics and engage closely with the subject. At the same time, by diversifying the types of tests and assessments and emphasizing the personal and social development of students, we can build a modern, dynamic and inclusive education system. This change is possible through coordinated efforts between the government, educational institutions, and industry. A positive and innovative learning environment can be created with the joint efforts of teachers, parents and administrators where students not only learn, but also think, question and discover something new. By using modern technology, integrating essential teaching techniques and global education policies, we can build a new era of education that will help students gain quality knowledge and life skills in all subjects, including mathematics. In order to eliminate the fear of mathematics, it is necessary to focus on changing the attitudes and beliefs of students from a young age. Through the motivation of teachers and parents, the proper use of technology and personal psychological support, it is possible to instill curiosity, interest and confidence in mathematics among students. Ultimately, modernizing the education system and eliminating the fear of mathematics is a multifaceted process. It is not just the work of a single individual or a single institution, but rather the combined efforts of government policy, social awareness, teachers and parents. If we can inspire the modern horizon of education through teaching methods, technology, and psychological support, then the future generation will be on the path to achieving success in every aspect of life, including mathematics. In the future, if our approach to education and innovative thinking broaden, then math fear will undoubtedly disappear and a mindset and skills will be developed in our education system that will play a leading role not only in personal development, but also in national and global development. Therefore, mathematics should be presented to students not just as a subject, but as a powerful tool for thinking and problem solving. Advanced technology, creative teaching techniques, and a humanistic attitude will be helpful in moving towards this goal. Therefore, we should someday consider mathematics not only as a science, but also as a medium of thought. With the joint efforts of teachers, parents, students and administration, we can build an education system where the fear of mathematics will disappear, innovative thinking will be instilled in the minds of students and on the one hand, education will be more dynamic and effective with the use of modern technology. Ultimately, the elimination of the fear of mathematics and the modernization of the education system will not only initiate positive changes in the field of education, but also in every part of society. If the new generation receives education with positive enthusiasm and creativity, then it will definitely make a significant contribution to the development of our nation and ethnicity. If the education system of the future focuses on developing students' aesthetic thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills, then achievement in other cognitive subjects including mathematics will be ensured. In this way, we will be able to cross a significant stage of social, economic and cultural development.
In the changing landscape of eliminating math fear and modernizing the education system, each of us – teachers, parents, and students – has an important role to play. We should abandon old thinking and adopt new innovative teaching strategies, so that students are helped to develop through creative thinking not only in the classroom but also in different contexts of real life. This educational restructuring will make our society stronger, innovative, and self-reliant. If we all come together and change our approach to education, there will be no obstacle in transforming the dream of eliminating math fear and modernizing the education system into a reality. After all, eliminating math fear and modernizing the education system is a long-term process, which will be possible through regular, well-organized, and coordinated efforts. It is hoped that in the future, this effort will take our society to a new horizon, where every student will move forward with equality and innovative dreams and will acquire skills in all subjects, including mathematics.
The writer is a student, Mathematics Department Jagannath University, Dhaka
Comment / Reply From
You May Also Like
Latest News
Vote / Poll
ফিলিস্তিনের গাজায় ইসরায়েলি বাহিনীর নির্বিচার হামলা বন্ধ করতে জাতিসংঘসহ আন্তর্জাতিক সম্প্রদায়ের উদ্যোগ যথেষ্ট বলে মনে করেন কি?
হ্যাঁ
না
মন্তব্য নেই
0%
0%
0%
Popular Posts
Archive
Please select a date!
Submit