Mathematics rescue plan

mathematicsThe Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development has set up a Numeracy Task Force which will observe the way Mathematics is taught at both Primary and Secondary schools.

Education Minister, Petter Saint Jean, in addressing the start of a three- day numeracy training workshop for Primary school Principals and Teachers earlier this week, said this is one mechanism being used by the Ministry of Education to improve numeracy in schools.

“The Numeracy Task Force is charged with overseeing the operations of Mathematics at primary and secondary schools,” he said.

The Education Minister said the Task Force has already identified ways to improve achievement in Mathematics and the  Ministry will seek to implement several initiatives recommended by the Task Force.

One such initiative, according to the Minister, soon to be launched, is a television program geared at improving the way in which Mathematics is taught.

The programme dubbed “MATH IN ACTION” is expected to be aired on the Government Information Service (GIS) later this month.

“I want to take this opportunity to commend the Task Force for its newest initiative-a program which to my mind, is a new approach to learning and teaching of Mathematics,” Saint Jean stated.

He described the soon to be launched television program as “a creative way of reaching students even after they have packed their bags and have gone home”.

To complement these initiatives, the Ministry of Education has put in place full time learning support advisors to assist teachers in the delivery of Mathematics lessons.

In addition, the Government of Dominica continues to provide training for Mathematics teachers under the Dominica Education Enhancement Project.

Five teachers are currently pursuing first degrees in Mathematics.

The Ministry hopes that these measures will result in improved performances by Dominican students at both national and external examinations.

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27 Comments

  1. Focus
    April 18, 2013

    Lets not stray from the mission here. we should not point fingers on “teachers” because unfortunately, some teachers make it hard for the really good ones. We have some incredible teachers in Dominica…… I believe Math teachers should be trained before teaching the subject, from primary school onward. its actually an interesting subject especially when the principles are understood. I actually had to end up at university level to begin liking math. The professors are literally excited about the course and ensure that the entire class in engaged. Math classrooms should also be smaller than the average class so that weak students can be identified sooner and some sort of one on one method can be applied. Also, there are additional resources on the internet. It amazing how much information is on the internet. Math websites run by the hundreds and there are also hundreds of math lessons on youtube (just search any math topic)… At the end of the day math is a practical course so the same way we read books for theory courses, the same way we PRACTICE math.

  2. Teacher
    April 17, 2013

    The problem with math starts at primary school where primary teacher, who hate math, end up teaching math. So what do you expect? We are well aware that not the brightest and best are in the primary schools, which is supposed to set the foundation. Parents, go through your childs’ math book and you will see how LITTLE MATH is taught at the primary level. I am saddened and sickened by the state of affairs.

  3. Nudibranch
    April 17, 2013

    if you wish to raise the standard of education island wide, stop having one poor teacher try to cover all subjects at every level. Employ math, science English and other specialist educators like everywhere else. It won’t cost you more as some teachers already prefer teaching one subject over others. We already know those who are uncomfortable with Maths are forced to teach it.
    Head in the sand A in the air as usual.

  4. concerned parent
    April 17, 2013

    Degree and Masters don’t mean a thing. It all depends on how the Maths, English and other subject matters are taught. The Government and the Ministry of Education are spending too much money. Investing so much in Teachers and they just don’t have the patience to teach these days. The cloak of patience is put on after 1:00pm, when children are charged for classes. That’s how they make their money. They run along with the children that are intelligent and the less intelligent ones are left unattended. Homework is not even corrected. They don’t know when mistakes are made and that’s how the cycle is. Teachers complain so much about children, teach very little and waste time in the classroom. I have always said that children must be given the very best teachers in first form at the beginning of secondary level and the very best at the fifth form level. Teachers must learn to teach as to impact each child. Lessons must be taught and understood. Mr Hyacinth and Mr St. Jean please pay close attention to CXC results this year at certain schools in Dominica. It will speak for itself. Investigate and shift those that need to be shifted. Some of them are too comfortable. Peace.

    • lolz
      April 17, 2013

      I am going to pretend for the sake of argument, that you are NOT a concerned parent. If you were, you would understand that the foundation for education BEGINS AT HOME. Therefore a parent, would ensure that homework is being done, and the extra mile would be to encourage children to go further by reading books instead of watching tv, learn the next chapter before it comes up in school, etc.

      Teachers are frustrated when they deal with ill-disciplined students and the fact that they have to play both teacher and parent in and out of school. I personally don’t blame parents nor teachers. It takes a COMMUNITY to raise a child. Let us ALL play OUR part.

  5. anonymous
    April 17, 2013

    Why are you people acting like poor performance in Math is a recent phenomenon!!!!

    The Minister should be commended for the efforts to improve achievement in Math. End of story! Somebody point out the downside please.

    This country sucks. Crabs in a darn barrel.

  6. anonymous
    April 17, 2013

    How did this become about Garmon Graham and his Math programme? Are you people for real in this country? (A great idea btw) But what does one thing have to do with the other?

    Must everything be seen through a constant veil of negativity?

  7. ohhh
    April 17, 2013

    cohenval Not all those Who have first degree can do maths. The matter is how you can transfere the information to the students Mr. Graham knows the techiques. Mr. Garmon Graham has the show ‘Power of Numbers’ very informatative. Here it goes one sheep follow the other. My son’s got cXC One’s with Sir Graham tutorial. Sir Graham is the best. He has the techniques make students understand and pass information to students which is what he has. He is gifted maths.

    • anonymous
      April 17, 2013

      the show has not even premiered yet.

  8. ohhh
    April 17, 2013

    cohenval Not all those Who have first degree can do maths. The matter is how you can transfere the information to the students Mr. Graham know the techiques.

    • pp
      April 17, 2013

      Is he the locks teacher at ITSS if yes hmmm he can tutor maths.

  9. pp
    April 17, 2013

    Mr. Graham is an excellent educator. He leaded the way. My sons got one’s in CxC from his tutorial. “Power of Numbers” Great job Gramon Gram Teacher at ITSS. Let them follow you

  10. pp
    April 17, 2013

    Hope the government will continue

  11. Sylvester Cadette
    April 17, 2013

    WHAT A WELCOME INITIATIVE!

    It is true that early grasp of math and music and its consolidation in formative years lend readily to a creative and innovative mind.

    Creativity and innovation is paramount to new ideas in stimulating progress, growth and development – and success.

    Creative and innovative thinking is all the more important in this Information Age where technological advancement soar far beyond our planetary system and the IT world and the way we do business is transforming everyday.

    I am convinced that once implemented well with our best mathematics teachers, IT MUST YEILD SUCCESS!!!!

    Three Cheers!

    • Sylvester Cadette
      April 17, 2013

      MY CORRECTION: Creativity and Innovation ARE PARAMOUNT….

  12. PP
    April 17, 2013

    All the best to Mr. Garmon Graham you leaded the way for the government. However, your uwi folks always have u=you in minds. Yes u are a true education but does things at your own paste. What is for you is For you.

  13. lolz
    April 17, 2013

    How about giving math teachers incentives to go the extra mile with students?? Like increasing their salaries

  14. view
    April 17, 2013

    DNO Please interview Mr. Gramon Graham this man has skills to get Children to learn my sons Got One”s in maths CXC. One can have all the degree and do not know how to pass the information to understand it worth you nothing.

  15. view
    April 17, 2013

    so as Mr. Garmon Graham teacher at Isiah Thomas secondary start his programme other following well not a bad idea however, is it that one must do for the others to follow. Good work Mr. Garmon Graham. You are a humble sever Your life was a struggle help the kids. All the time the government never see it fit to have such program as you come on borad here it goes. Big up to You.

  16. John Doe
    April 17, 2013

    after they mess up the entire educational system they wanna come like a sheep in wolf clothing and play savior.

  17. Nkrumah Kwame
    April 17, 2013

    Can the public be made aware of the members of this “Task Force”? And as we are on the subject, do we still have UNTRAINED teachers delivering the Mathematics curriculum at our Primary and Secondary schools?

  18. Snorkeller
    April 17, 2013

    Sorry, there is an error on the posting of the website; the correct one is: http://www.khanacademy.org.

    • Dotty
      April 17, 2013

      Khan Academy is very popular in th US. I am a retired teacher and I have taught math. I also utilize other programs.

  19. Snorkeller
    April 17, 2013

    There are many creative ways of teaching mathematics and other core subjects on line, which have benefited millions of students from the priamary through tertiary stages worldwide. One such programme can be accessed through the Khan Academy and it is very user friendly.It can even be used in the classroom using all the technologies that are currently available. Students can visit the website: http://www.knanacademy.org.

  20. cohenval
    April 17, 2013

    The most qualified and able math teachers are at the Dominica State College. I hope they are part of that math task force.

    • anonymous
      April 17, 2013

      stupes!

  21. Anonymous
    April 17, 2013

    The degree in maths will not help children with numeracy problems. ITs the method of teaching that has to be adjusted and it has to begin at an early stage. Old heads hard to pick up :mrgreen:

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