In a world where mathematics is often interpreted as a villain, or a barrier to learning, it is essential to recognise its value and applicability in everyday life. From dividing a pizza among friends to calculating the time it takes to get to school, from organising a school event to designing a science project, from calculating a budget to designing public policy, mathematics is not just about solving equations or memorising formulas; it is a powerful tool that drives critical thinking, problem solving and informed decision-making in all areas of life.
On the occasion of International Mathematics Day, we at ProFuturo seek to inspire students and teachers to embrace this discipline with confidence and enthusiasm through reflection: “Mathematics is more than numbers; it is a toolbox for life”.
Our goal is to cultivate a generation of students and teachers who use mathematics as a tool to meet real-world challenges and build a brighter, more equitable future for all. Because we firmly believe that educating transforms, and mathematics is an essential part of that transformation.
Camilo, a ProFuturo teacher in Uruguay, explains:
Transform education with our ProFuturo Mathematics School
ProFuturo has an initiative aimed at overcoming challenges in mathematics teaching and learning in vulnerable areas of Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia: The ProFuturo Mathematics School.
This school aims to cultivate interest in mathematics, enhance logical-mathematical thinking and encourage persistence and perseverance especially among children at an early age.
With customised training itineraries for both teachers and students in basic and primary education, we seek to revolutionise the educational experience using technology and innovation.
Education experts stress that mathematical competence not only develops fundamental skills such as logical reasoning and problem solving, but also promotes the capacity for abstraction needed in today’s world.
At ProFuturo, we firmly believe in the importance of preparing students to face the challenges of the 21st century, and our Mathematics School is a step towards that goal. Now, resources are only part of the teaching process, it is also important to establish a relationship with the student, so we present 5 principles to motivate students to develop these skills.
5 principles for teaching mathematics in the classroom, by Dan Finke
We share five principles proposed by Dan Finke, PhD in algebraic geometry at the University of Washington, in his TEDxRainier talk.
- Begin with a question: Invite students to question and seek answers for themselves.
- Encourage thinking: Effort and persistence are essential for the development of critical and creative thinking.
- Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know”: Honesty is key; admitting that you don’t know something opens the door to new learning opportunities.
- Accepts students’ ideas: Encourage active participation and the exploration of new ideas.
- Play: Mathematics should not be perceived as a set of rules, but as a playful and exploratory experience that fosters creativity and the enjoyment of learning.
We firmly believe that mathematics is a powerful tool for transforming lives and communities and, at ProFuturo, we are committed to bringing this message, innovation and education to every corner of the world wherever possible.
#EducatingTransforms
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