Use Modern Methods In Teaching Maths – Expert

Former Chairman of Mathematics Association of Nigeria (MAN), Edo State chapter, Mrs Birgitta Okodugha has advocated the use of modern methods of teaching Mathematics, to enhance understanding of the subject.
Okodugha , a Mathematics, teacher at Asoro Grammer School, Benin, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Benin last Sunday.
The two-time chairman of MAN urged Mathematics teachers to attend workshops and seminars regularly to improve their knowledge and methods of teaching the subject.
She said that some students were scared of Mathematics because of the way some teachers taught the subject.
She said such teachers failed to attend workshops and seminars on modern ways of teaching the subject but stuck to the outdated methods.
Okodugha, who was  honoured as a Fellow of MAN yesterday, said students should be made to be excited and relaxed during mathematics classes.
The former chairman said making students to be relaxed during Mathematics lessons would increase their level of interest and understanding.
”A mathematics teacher should always warm up the students each time he/she enters the classroom.
“He or she could do this by making the students sing a song or do some recitation such as reciting multiplication table.
I make my students clap their hands and dance as they do the recitation; by doing so they are excited  while learning a particular task,” she said.
She added that students should be allowed to participate in the lesson because they were the ones who needed the knowledge and not the teacher.
‘’For example, if you are teaching shapes, let the children construct the shapes rather than you drawing them on the board.
”By doing so, they will understand the dimensions of the shapes.
”Also, give the students work to do at home. Share them into groups to carry out tasks. They learn better through collaboration.
”Students should carry out their assignments and do presentation in the classroom,” she added