By:Nghiinomenwa vali Erastus
“The knowledge of numbers and their basic operation is essential to survive in today’s world,” said Edda Bohn, deputy Director in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture.
Bohn was speaking at the recent Bank Windhoek’s Capricorn Foundation two-day workshop for the Grade 4 mathematics teachers.
She described mathematics is the queen of science, adding: “We cannot imagine our life without mathematics. It makes human life more organised.”
Bank Windhoek’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorships, Bronwyn Moody highlighted how critical mathematics is for learners who can one day become productive members of building the Namibian economy and society.
Moody also touched on the issue of the struggle the kids face, being taught in their home language and then jumping to English.
“Grade 3’s who were taught in their mother tongue find it challenging when taught in English in the next grade,”she said.
At the time, the Education Ministry was being blamed for the high failure rate and the state of the country’s education system, Moody said the two-day workshop is an excellent example of Public Private Partnership.
The workshop was attended by 31 selected teachers from across the country and they were equipped to be hands-on and to be learner-centred.
The teachers were encouraged to be innovative and improvise by using items in their surroundings to teach instead of relying on funds. The workshop was engaging and exposed teachers to various games they could play to keep students attentive during classes. Teachers were encouraged to use flashcards and posters in their respective classes.
Some teachers commented that they did not understand kids’ behaviours at times.
This concern was addressed during a session with Dr. Eunice Gonzo, a psychologist, who touched on mental health, the power of the mind, abuse at home, and identifying different learning styles.
Her main message was for the teachers to pay attention to change, a permanent shift of alterations, beliefs, attitudes, habits, or processes. She advised attendees to choose their thought patterns and become aware of their thoughts.
“Remember, failure is not a disaster, even if we sometimes fail. It is a stepping stone to success. In every matter, we fail. It is an opportunity to do better or to do something different. Results come from you, so protect your mind with all you have,” Gonzo said.
The feedback from the teachers is that they learned more about assessments, innovative means of giving a class and treating each child individually.
They said they would also pass on the information to their colleagues while appreciating the efforts byBank Windhoek and the Capricorn Group for initiating the opportunity.
Deputy DirectorBohn also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Bank Windhoek and the Capricorn Foundation for supporting the Ministry to improve the Namibian education system.
Email: erastus@thevillager.com.na
Mathematics Is The Queen Of Science, Says Education Executive
