Failure in mathematics linked to teaching and learning methods – Prof. Kwara Nantomah
Dispelling the fear often associated with the subject, he described Mathematics as logical, beautiful, and enjoyable when properly understood.
Professor Kwara Nantomah, Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Navrongo, has attributed the persistent failure in Mathematics and the widespread perception of the subject as difficult to the way it is taught and learned.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Tuesday, January 6, Prof. Nantomah said Mathematics can be interesting, inspiring, and even easy for many learners if the right teaching and learning approaches are adopted.
Dispelling the fear often associated with the subject, he described Mathematics as logical, beautiful, and enjoyable when properly understood.
“There is honey in Mathematics; it has taste and beauty. When you encounter Mathematics, you realize that it is one of the easiest subjects. It deals with logic and rules. Once you understand and obey the rules, everything becomes interesting and amazing.” He said.
Professor Nantomah linked the recent poor performance in Mathematics, particularly the failure of about half of the candidates who sat for last year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), to deficiencies in both teaching and learning.
According to him, the problem is multifaceted, beginning with the availability and quality of teachers handling the subject.
“The issue is how Mathematics is taught and how it is learned. Who are those teaching Mathematics? Were they trained, and how were they trained?”
“We are in a system where Mathematics teachers are in short supply, so in some schools anyone who is available is asked to teach Mathematics, even without the requisite knowledge.” He explained.
He further observed that many students focus on shortcuts aimed at passing examinations rather than mastering the fundamental techniques needed to solve mathematical problems across contexts.
Prof. Nantomah, who is the first Ghanaian full professor in Pure Mathematics, called for a deliberate national effort to address the challenges facing Mathematics education at all levels.
“What is the national interest in Mathematics? Are we only interested in awarding prizes to best-performing schools? Beyond that, we must take concrete national action. We do not have a clear direction on how we are going to correct this Mathematics problem.” He stressed.
He urged policymakers, educational institutions, and stakeholders to prioritize structured teacher training, effective methodology, and sustained national strategies to reverse the trend of poor performance in Mathematics.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
