MoU Signed to Improve Teaching of Mathematics in Primary Schools

The Ministry of Education, today (September 17), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with  Mico University College and Sterling Asset Management  Limited,  aimed at providing support to four primary schools in the teaching and learning of Mathematics.

The MoU was signed by Portfoilio Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites; President, Mico University College, Dr. Asburn Pinnock and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Asset Management Limited, Charles Ross, during a  ceremony held at the Ministry’s Heroes Circle Offices.

Schools benefitting from the initiative include:  Allman Town Primary, Mico Practising Primary and Junior High, Elletson Primary and John Mills Primary.

In his address, Rev. Thwaites welcomed the inititative, while emphasising  that competence in Mathematics is of equal value as competence in literacy.

“We always have to be looking for new and entertaining ways to teach mathematics and we have to relate to our students and particularly our boys, to speak to their aptitude to see mathematics as the gateway to technical, vocational and scientific competences,” Rev. Thwaites said.

He  added that while the country’s outcomes in Mathematics have been improving, “it is still not where we want it to be.” The Minister said he is hoping to see early success from the initiative.

“I am particulary attracted to the fact that one of the elements of the programme is to deliver online training in subject knowledge enhancement skills,” he added.

In an interveiw with JIS News, Associate Director at the Caribbean Centre of Excellence in Mathemmtics Teaching at the Mico University College, Shandalene Binns Thompson, explained that the programme will be used to stem the issues that now prevail in the teaching of the subject.

“The interventions that will  be designed, will be based on the learning needs of the students, but in order for us to know the learning needs of the students, we have to first interview our teachers and do classroom observations,” Mrs. Binns Thompson said.

She added that focus will be placed on the teaching of problem solving, while imparting matematical knowledge.

“This will help to build critical thinking and once critical thinking is built, learning in mathematics will be improved,”  Mrs. Binns Thompson said.

The pilot phase of the programme is set to start at the end of September and is expected to last for a year.

Sterling Asset Management  Limited has provided $400,000 towards the funding of the programme.