Towards Solving the Challenges of Mathematics Education in Nigeria
Towards Solving the Challenges of Mathematics Education in Nigeria
At 129th Inaugural Lecture, Prof. Ebele Okigbo Unveils Secrets to Effective Mathematics Teaching and Learning
A Professor of Mathematics Education at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Ebele Chinelo Okigbo has identified Focus, Creativity, Genuine Generousity, Persistence/Patience and Activity Oriented as five keys essential to the successful learning of Mathematics.
Under the acronym ‘FGGPA’, she posited that the five keys bring together the physical, social and psychological factors which interplay to affect mathematics learning.
Speaking last Thursday at the ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka while delivering the 129th Inaugural Lecture titled “Unmasking the Secrets of Effective Mathematics Instruction for Improved Learning Outcomes”, Prof. Okigbo who is the current Dean, Faculty of Education, described focus on mathematics learning as intentional practice of directing attention and effort towards mathematical goals so that students can develop in-depth comprehension of the topics taught.
She said a focused learner pays attention to all details to be able to relate classroom instruction to new but similar situation.
Prof Okigbo also described being creative in mathematics learning as finding multiple means to handle a problem and even inventing new strategies not directly taught by the teacher.
She also said being genuinely generous implies peer teaching without reservations. She posited that the more knowledgeable student can teach other students especially the slow learners resulting to the peer teacher over-learning the concepts / topics taught. This she said also entails collaborative learning, students learning from one another in an informal setting.
A persistent and patient learner according to Prof. Okigbo is a learner who is resilient, who can persist, adapt and continue making progress in learning despite difficulties , setbacks, frustration or past failure.
She described activity-oriented as the educational setting that centres learning on active engagement, participation and hands-on experiences rather than passive listening. In activity –oriented learning, the students learn by doing practical tasks, games, investigations, manipulatives, real-world experiences, collaboration, discussion and reflective learning.
Earlier in the presentation, Prof. Okigbo defined mathematics as the study of quantity, structure, space, change, patterns and relationships through abstraction and logical reasoning, stressing that the discipline serves as a foundation for artificial intelligence, algorithm development and cyber security. She also identified problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections and representations as key process standards in mathematics.
“Mathematics is a methodical application of matter because it makes a man and his environment methodical and systematic. It is also regarded as the queen of all sciences and technology and the servants of arts and humanities. Mathematics is the cradle of all all creations without which the word cannot move an inch”
The inaugural lecturer, highlighted the diverse applications of mathematics, noting that the discipline cuts across all facets of human activities. She identified various branches of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, number and operations, measurement, statistics and probability, calculus, trigonometry and topology.
She identified various process standards for mathematics to include problem solving, reasoning and proof, communications, connections and representations. She identified problem solving as an integral part of all mathematics learning noting that being able to solve problems can lead to great advantages like building a new mathematical knowledge, solving mathematical problems, apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems among other things.
On communications, she said the teaching of mathematics should enable the students to organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking through communications, communicate their mathematical thinking clearly to peers, teachers and other members of the society, analyse and evaluate the mathematical thinking and strategies of other people and use the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas accurately.
On the dilemma of Mathematics Education in Nigeria, Prof. Okigbo listed teacher-related problems, student-related problems and the evaluation process as major areas contributing to the dilemma of mathematics education in Nigeria. She regretted that mathematics learning and teaching is at a deplorable state at all levels of educational systems in Nigeria .She said the problem ranges from dismal performance of students in the subject to lack of interest and motivations by both the teachers and students.
She pointed out that the government failure to recruit and train more qualified mathematics teachers though she pointed out that mathematics teachers can be sometimes very difficult to come by. In addition, she also disclosed that few available mathematics teachers mostly teach abstract contents in the curriculum perfunctorily without care and interest just to cover the contents with little or no positive impact on the mathematics learners.
She outlined metacognitive instructional strategies, activity-based instruction, through strategies and technology-assisted instruction as approaches that could improve mathematics learning
outcomes.
She offered some tips to success in Mathematics Learning to include the use of Mnemonics techniques, use of mental mathematics and over-learning which she described as the constant practice with mathematics exercises and regular assignments and peer teaching of fellow students,
In conclusion, the inaugural lecturer stressed that mathematics is an essential ingredient in manufacturing industries and economic activities, sciences, social sciences, engineering and technology, arts and humanities, and management sciences. She described mathematics as a gatekeeper of success or failure in secondary school graduation and career success, noting that inadequate mathematical skills and understanding could affect important educational, life and career decisions.
Prof. Okigbo further maintained that anyone could become a mathematician and possess mathematical knowledge if given proper guidance and training in a formative period through effective instruction
“Therefore, meta-cognitive strategies, activity based instructions and technology –assisted instructions when used effectively by the mathematics teachers can change the narrative of dismal students’ performance , negative attitude, low interest and motivation for mathematics learning and bring them back to the classroom to enjoy the company of this beautiful bride-Mathematics” she posited and concluded.
The inaugural lecturer also acknowledged the contributions of various individuals who played significant roles in her career path and in delivering the inaugural lecture. The list included the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie , the DVCs, Chairman and members of the Inaugural Lecture Committee and of course , her dear husband, Prof Raph Okigbo among others.
Responding after the lecture, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, highlighted the importance of mathematics as a discipline, describing it as a challenging but impressive subject when properly understood.
He noted that mathematics, despite its challenging nature, remained a subject capable of inspiring interest and excellence when learners were properly guided.
The Vice-Chancellor, while addressing the inaugural lecturer, congratulated her on the significance of her scholarly work and the contribution her expertise could make to the teaching and learning of mathematics. He expressed the hope that the lecture would further illuminate effective approaches to mathematics instruction and contribute to improved learning outcomes.
The highlight of the occasion was the decoration of Professor Ebele Chinelo Okigbo as the 129th Inaugural Lecturer of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
The event attracted distinguished academics, University officials, members of the University community, students, family members, friends and other guests who gathered to witness and celebrate the academic milestone.
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