Specialised teachers should teach Mathematics at early stage —Prof Akinsola, Dean of Education, UI

Professor Mojeed Akinsola, Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, is a specialist in Mathematics Education. In this interview with PAUL OMOROGBE, he takes a holistic look at issues bedevilling the teaching and learning of Mathematics in Nigeria. He speaks on what must be done to have an overall improvement of students’ performance in the subject.

 

how has the learning of Mathematics been faring in Nigeria’s school system today?

There have been specific and general problems to the study and learning of Mathematics. The specific problems have to do with the nature of the subject itself. Mathematics is a subject that has to do with irrationality. It is a subject that is not audible; ideas have to be conjured. When dealing these ideas, the best only comes from the originator of the ideas. However, during the process of transferring these ideas, problems are encountered. Transferring these ideas in a curriculum form to others is where we encounter problems. There are a lot of things involved, when it comes to the teaching of Mathematics in a school system. The teachers, students; materials and the curriculum to be interpreted are all there, including the environment.

Research has shown that majority of students claim that the teachers they encounter at the early stages of their interaction with Mathematics have often been the stumbling block. Has the situation changed? No, it has even become worse. Going to our various primary schools, you find a mismatch of teachers teaching subjects in the various schools. Specialised teachers should be made to teach Mathematics at that early stage. This is where we missed it. I believe at the primary school stage, we need to pay more attention to the type of teachers that we employ for the teaching of Mathematics.

The materials also that can help to open the eyes of students are not available for the teaching of the subject. This is talking about the practical aspect of Mathematics, but the materials are not there. The motivation is not there for teachers. The environment where the schools are is also very important.

In terms of policy, what do you think can be done to aid the teaching and learning of Mathematics?

I stand to be corrected; government at all levels in Nigeria has not been paying enough attention to education. Education is fundamental to the growth of the country. The infrastructural facilities are nothing to write home about. More so, our teachers need reorientation on the teaching of Mathematics. For example, with the kind of training we give here, we start with perception. That is, every student, no matter how dull, is capable of learning Mathematics. This is the bottom-line. We know along the line that this is not 100 per cent correct, but the teacher must believe and work towards it. He must identify the weaknesses of each of the learners and correct them the early stage. A Mathematics teacher should not wait till a learner forms a negative attitude towards the subject.  A Mathematics teacher must be flexible, humorous and humane. A situation whereby you carry cane to the classroom is not permitted. The fear of cane is an issue in itself.

How can Mathematics teachers make the needed change? Does it take government effort alongside? What do you think is the solution?

Over the years, performances have been good in standard private schools. It is the same set of teachers, who are trained in universities or colleges of education who are being employed in the private schools, but the missing link in the public schools is supervision! A standard level of supervision is important. Let our teachers be up and doing.

Another thing is that the number of students in the classroom in public schools doesn’t lend any credence for good performance. In a situation where we have over 50 students in a class, and the Mathematics teacher has to teach at least four arms, such as Class 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D comprising of 50 students each and making a total of 200 students in a day. There is no way he will give them a sum and try to check each of the 200 scripts on a daily basis and this is really needed in Mathematics.

Parents also must be ready to help their children. It is their responsibility to make the Mathematics textbooks available for their children.

Also, teachers must be motivated. A teacher cannot teach on an empty stomach. He has to take care of his family, put a roof over their heads and pay the children’s school fees. Without motivation, most of the things I have said cannot work.

Motivation through regular payment of salaries is important. It is important government finds a way of paying salary as at when due. Delay in promotion affects motivation also. The students, teachers, government, all must work together for us to have a better performance in Mathematics.