Accra, Dec.18, GNA- The Institute of Mathematics Studies (IMS) says the study of mathematics in early childhood is key to building a strong foundation to develop interest and love for the future academic progression of the child.
Mr Emmanuel Lanbon, the Executive Director, IMS, said for a nation to develop high-quality human capital, who were analytically inclined to national development, highly depended on the early childhood mathematics interest, knowledge and application.
The Executive Director said this at the first Certification Programme for 19 Early Childhood Mathematics Trainers Course in Accra.
The 12-weeks training programme was organized for participants from eight regions and was expected to train Early Childhood Teachers from Kindergarten to class three on how to effectively teach mathematics for learners at a developmental stage.
The modules taught include Early childhood in global perspectives, the Early Childhood Learner and Mathematics, the Mathematics Classroom, Mathematics for Fun, and Preparing the mind for absorption, among others.
The goal of the programme is to develop high quality, passionate and skilful early childhood mathematics teachers, who would effectively develop a strong mathematical foundation for early learners.
Research by Academic Research International shows that any approach devoid of mathematical considerations is likely to lead to failure.
It also shows that mathematics as a school subject is recognised as the foundation of science and technology without which a nation will never become prosperous and economically independent.
Mr Lanbon said the new curriculum designed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment adopted in 2019 placed greater emphasis on English language and Literary to the detriment of mathematics at the early childhood stage.
Among all the integrated activities that the Kindergarten one child has to study within one academic year, 68 per cent of the activities are allocated to language and literacy while 14 per cent on Mathematics.
He urged the government to review the trend and focus on thinking analytically through Mathematics and science to solve problems rather than speaking big grammar.
Mr Lanbon announced that the Institute would in January 2022 launch the ” National Digitized Mathematics Help Centre” for students and parents to reach the Centre digitally for any mathematical assistance from kindergarten to Senior High School level.
Mrs Vanessa Naa Adaku Attoh, a participant, commended the organisers for the programme, saying, “I have learnt new things and would, in turn, impact it positively to Mathematics teachers for greater improvement.”
GNA