Mico University to Share New Trends in Mathematics Education

The Mico University College will be presenting new techniques and developments in mathematics education at its annual Research Day slated for March 24 to 25 at the institution’s Kingston campus.

The move is in keeping with the Ministry of Education’s focus on improving student achievement in mathematics as a critical part of the development process.

Director of Alumni and Development at Mico University College, Sharon Wolfe, said the event, under the theme: ‘The Transforming Power of Mathematics for National Development’ “aims to creatively unlock the Mathematic mind”.

“We want to look at the state of mathematics education in Jamaica – the challenges, the strategies and most of all, the solutions,” said Mrs. Wolfe, who was addressing a JIS Think Tank on Tuesday (March 17).

She said Research Day 2015 will share some of the new trends in the teaching and learning of mathematics and the use of indigenous material for teaching the subject.

“How do we accomplish ‘Vision 2030? We do so by doing things differently, and we believe the vehicle for accomplishing this is through mathematics. That is why the Mico University College, the leading teacher training institution in Jamaica, in response to national needs, has taken this initiative to share with not only students, but with teachers and the general public what mathematics can do,” she pointed out.

Mrs. Wolfe informed that the event will also be used to recognise the outstanding work and contribution of mathematics luminary and former president of Mico, Professor Claude Packer.

Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Mico, Professor Bermadee Briscoe, noted that Mico Research Day is chiefly about the exploration, celebration of mathematics, while acknowledging the rich legacy of excellence of Professor Packer.

National Mathematics Coordinator at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Tamika Benjamin will deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony on March 24, at the Eli Matalon Gymnasium located on the Mico Campus.

Activities on March 25 will include presentations and panel discussions on areas such as: Mathematics for National Development; the role of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Mathematics for Economic Development; Innovation; Mathematics in Sports; and Mathematics and Music.

The presenters include: Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Grace McLean; Professor David Burgess from the Centre for Innovation Mathematics Teaching at the Plymouth University in the United Kingdom; President of the Jamaica Institution of Engineers, Andre Whyte; Vice Principal for Academic Affairs at the Shortwood Teachers’ College, Dr. George Dawkins; and the Secretary General of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), Brian Farquharson.

The Mico University College Research Day 2015, which is endorsed by the Ministry of Education and the JTA, is sponsored by Barita Investments Limited and the Victoria Mutual Building Society.