Yet More Maths Problems

2002 ◽  
Vol 179 ◽  
pp. 76-86
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Howson
Keyword(s):  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Mathematics Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Secondary Level ◽  
International Perspective ◽  
Cost Of Living ◽  
True Value ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Assessment Procedures

This article considers several key problems facing the teaching and learning of mathematics at secondary level. In particular, it studies the need for better defined aims for mathematics teaching; the standards currently being attained by students viewed from an international perspective; the validity of many of the assessment procedures on which the government places such emphasis; and the underlying problem, that of an insufficiency of well-qualified mathematics teachers — a problem that, for several decades, governments have chosen to ignore. Suggestions are made on how the various aims of mathematics education might be better met.‘Does “Mathematics for all” mean “No mathematics for all”?’ Title of a lecture given by J. de Lange in 1983.‘A calculator, …, a friend or an independent financial advisor can substitute for an education in mathematics for instrumental purposes’ (Bramall, 2000).‘Q. I would like to know the rate of inflation for the years since 1987 to the present time to work out the true value of my savings. Can you help?A. Certainly. Since 1987 the cost of living has gone up by 70 per cent. So £1 today is worth the equivalent of only 30p then.’ Reader's question and financial expert's answer in ‘Your money’, Saga Magazine, April 2001.

Analyzing the Determinants of Teachers’ Mathematics Teaching Competencies in Upper Primary Phase: Evidence from Namibia

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 35-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Nambira
Keyword(s):  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Mathematics Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Primary Phase ◽  
Teaching Mathematics ◽  
Teaching Materials ◽  
Teaching Competencies ◽  
Training Programmes

The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which predictors of teachers’ competencies in teaching mathematics predict the outcomes of mathematics performance among learners at upper primary phase. The determinants were namely gender, teaching experience, region, qualification, and fields of study exert effect on teachers’ competencies in lesson planning and preparation, assessment and evaluation of learners, lesson delivery, the use of teaching strategies, the quality of homework, and the availability of teaching materials. The generic understanding of the impacts of predictors of teaching competencies on learners’ performance significantly informs the development of training programmes components, and teaching and learning processes across the schooling system. Shulman’s theory of teacher content and pedagogical knowledge underpinned the study. The study comprised of holistic samples of 117 mathematics teachers at upper primary phase teachers from 39 schools. The selection of three schools from each region followed three criteria, namely outstanding, moderate, and lower performances in Grade 10 examination. Data is collected from classroom observation and analysis of relevant documents. The findings show that predictor variables such as gender, teacher qualification, teaching experience, field of study, and region exerted effects on the way teachers plan and prepare the lesson, deliver the lesson, assess and evaluate learners, use the teaching materials, and the quality of work. Teachers who specialized in mathematics were more competent in mathematics teaching. The results presuppose that predictors of teachers’ competencies in teaching mathematics are essential for improving teaching and learning of mathematics in schools. The outcome of this study is beneficial to education officials who are directly responsible for coordinating the teaching of mathematics in schools and the allocation of teaching subjects, particularly mathematics. The findings showed that a number of teachers were not trained mathematics. This was an indication of the existing shortage of mathematics teachers in schools nationally. Untrained mathematics teachers negatively influenced learners’ performance. These outcomes implied that education planners at the national, regional and district levels should set up strategies on how to increase the production of mathematics teachers nationally in order to meet the demand of such teachers in schools.

scholarly journals Effect of Remuneration on Employees Performance in the Ministry of Internal Security: A Case of Kisii County

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilfred Nyanumba Onyancha ◽  
Charles Munene Elijah ◽  
Willy Muturi
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Cost Of Living ◽  
Internal Security ◽  
Reform Program ◽  
Long Time ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Resource Factor

Despite the fact that the Kenyan government had made efforts, achievements and remarkable developments in the Ministry of Internal Security for its success, the performance of the workforce was still poor and this could be due to poor remuneration of employees, whereby the salary scale had remained constant for a long time despite of the increasing cost of living in the country. And this had also demoralized the employees leading to poor performance in the Ministry which in the end could result into loss of the credibility of the government. When the cost-of-living rose, there was enormous pressure on employers to raise wages and salaries by the rate of inflation. The problem therefore was how to improve productivity of employees by providing the pay which could enable them to cope up with their purchasing power. It was therefore important for the organization to consider the salary system as a mechanism by which an organization could plan how to attract, retain, reward and motivate its salaried employees in order to enhance good performance in the Ministry. The human resource factor (particularly remuneration) lied at the very heart of the reform program. Subsequently, the need arose to undertake an empirical study to determine the effect of remuneration on employees’ performance at the Ministry of Internal Security.

scholarly journals THE ISSUES AND CHALLENGES OF MATHEMATICS TEACHING AND LEARNING IN MALAYSIA ORANG ASLI PRIMARY SCHOOLS FROM TEACHERS' PERSPECTIVES

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (No.2) ◽  
pp. 129-160
Author(s):  
Ruzlan Md-Ali ◽  
Arsaythamby Veloo ◽  
S. Kanageswari Suppiah Shanmugam ◽  
Yus'aiman Jusoh @ Yusoff ◽  
Rosna Awang Hashim
Keyword(s):  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Mathematics Teaching ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Mathematics Learning ◽  
Orang Asli ◽  
Mathematics Competence ◽  
Mathematics Teaching And Learning ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Teachers Perspectives

Purpose - The Malaysian government has allocated a large budget for Orang Asli primary school education via the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) to help improve Orang Asli pupils’ academic performance including mathematics. Teachers face challenges in ensuring that Orang Asli pupils become competent learners of mathematics. Hence, this study examined the teachers’ perspectives on the issues and challenges in the teaching and learning of mathematics at Orang Asli primary schools in Malaysia. Methodology - In this qualitative study, Two Orang Asli primary schools were randomly selected from eight primary schools within an Orang Asli Settlement in the District of Sungai Siput. The data were collected via focus group discussions and interviews, which were carried out during enculturation visits and were fully transcribed and thematically analysed. The research participants were purposively selected and comprised the schools’ administrators and mathematics teachers. Findings - The results of the data analysis showed that there were two main themes, namely classroom challenges and school challenges, in determining mathematics competence among Orang Asli pupils. Classroom challenges consisted of five sub-themes namely coverage of mathematics syllabus, mathematics teaching and learning resources, pupil engagement, language barrier, and mathematics learning culture. School challenges consisted of two sub-themes namely school attendance and discipline. To enhance mathematics competence among Orang Asli pupils, it is deemed important to conduct programmes and community engagement. Significance - This study contributes to the knowledge of the teaching and learning of mathematics at Orang Asli primary schools. It is recommended that teachers allow Orang Asli pupils to take home their mathematics textbooks so that they can complete their homework at home. Teachers are highly encouraged to conduct mathematics teaching and learning activities in groups to develop meaningful and engaging lessons.

The Collaboration Conundrum between School Librarians and Mathematics Teachers

Libri ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mega M. Subramaniam ◽  
Ann Ryu Edwards
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
School District ◽  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Mathematics Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
The United States ◽  
School Librarians ◽  
Structural Support ◽  
Mathematics Teaching And Learning ◽  
And Mathematics

AbstractWith the unveiling in the United States of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics that value inquiry, cross-curricular connections, and the use of technology in instruction, school librarians may be best positioned to collaborate with mathematics teachers to instill these practices into mathematics teaching and learning. However, the mathematics curriculum is often perceived as challenging or even impossible for librarians to connect with. Consequently, such collaboration is often not pursued by either party. This paper examines the factors that shape or hinder collaboration between school librarians and mathematics teachers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mathematics teachers, school librarians, and school leaders in four middle schools in a highly resourced school district in the mid Atlantic region of the United States. We find several factors that influence the nature and opportunities for collaboration, including: perception; comfort with technology; institutional structures; testing pressure; and knowledge about mathematics teaching and learning. Our analysis reveals pivotal transformations that need to take place in order to strengthen the collaborative relationship between these two domains: (1) changes in the perceptions mathematics teachers and school librarians have of each other, and of various aspects of technology integration in mathematics teaching and learning and collaborative relationships; (2) enhanced structural support at the school district level; and (3) enhanced structural support at the school level to support collaboration. By examining the connections and contexts of these emerging themes from our study, we reveal the impact that school librarians can have in mathematics learning in middle schools.

scholarly journals Enhancing Oral Communication Skills in Mathematics Teaching: Lessons from Research

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-54
Author(s):  
Dorcas Zuvalinyenga ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Effective Teaching ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Mathematics Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Contemporary Literature ◽  
Oral Communication ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Mathematics Research ◽  
Effective Teaching And Learning

This paper explores research on the enhancement of oral communication skills in mathematics teachers. The author reviewed four articles on the improvement of teaching and learning of mathematics. Research in this area is expanding rapidly. However, to date, few studies have critically investigated this body of work. The author reviewed key findings from influential studies. The author's analysis revealed that although these studies are subject to limitations, mathematics teachers' oral communication skills can be enhanced to improve the teaching and learning of the subject. Contemporary literature on the issue hypothesizes that the enhancement of oral communication skills promotes effective teaching and learning of the subject. The article concludes by identifying potential areas for further research.

scholarly journals PERANCANGAN HUNIAN SEWA UNTUK MILENIAL DI PADEMANGAN

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1433
Author(s):  
Fanuel Fang ◽  
Rudy Surya
Keyword(s):  
Green Space ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Rental Housing ◽  
Common Phenomenon ◽  
Green Line ◽  
Cost Of Living ◽  
The West ◽  
Railroad Tracks ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Cost

Urbanization has become a common phenomenon in big cities, with the exception of Jakarta. Urbanites (the name for people who are urbanizing) usually come to Jakarta to get jobs with higher wages than their home regions. Although the cost of living in Jakarta is relatively expensive, large revenues are the main focus for them. This is what has contributed to the emergence of slums in the capital, as happened in Pademangan Barat Village. The majority of migrants dominated by millennials work as shop employees in Mangga Dua and labor convection. They occupy semi-permanent buildings in narrow alleys, even to the extent that they fill along the edge of the railroad tracks that pass in Pademangan, which should be a green line. The existence of such housing makes the West Pademangan Area seem dingy, crowded with buildings, and loses its green space. This is because the rental price is cheap and sufficient to meet the needs of residents who only need a temporary resting place. The government has actually provided low-cost flats in Kemayoran, but it seems influential in reducing these slum dwellings. Vertical rental housing which simultaneously provides shared facilities also plays a role as a green space to compensate for the density of buildings in Pademangan. So that not only intended for residents, but also can be used by the surrounding residents, where analyzed by the author to be located in 10th RW (citizen association) of Pademangan Barat. AbstrakUrbanisasi telah menjadi fenomena yang umum terjadi di kota besar, tanpa terkecuali Jakarta. Kaum urban (sebutan untuk orang yang melakukan urbanisasi) biasanya datang ke Jakarta untuk mendapatkan pekerjaan dengan upah lebih tinggi dibandingkan daerah asal mereka. Karenanya, pengeluaran selama berada di Jakarta diminimalisir sebisa mungkin, termasuk dalam hal memilih tempat tinggal sementara. Hal inilah yang ikut mengakibatkan munculnya pemukiman kumuh di ibukota, sebagaimana yang terjadi di Kelurahan Pademangan Barat. Para pendatang yang didominasi generasi milenial ini mayoritas berprofesi sebagai karyawan toko di Mangga Dua dan buruh konveksi. Mereka menempati bangunan semi dan non-permanen di gang-gang sempit, bahkan hingga memenuhi sepanjang pinggir rel kereta api yang melintas di Pademangan, dimana semestinya merupakan jalur hijau. Keberadaan hunian seperti inilah yang membuat Kawasan Pademangan Barat terkesan kumuh, padat dengan bangunan, dan kehilangan ruang hijaunya. Meski hanya berupa bangunan berbahan triplek kayu yang menumpang di dinding pembatas rel kereta, namun kamar-kamar yang disewakan ini begitu diminati bahkan hingga kelebihan kapasitas. Hal ini dikarenakan harga sewanya yang murah dan cukup untuk memenuhi kebutuhan penghuni yang hanya memerlukan tempat beristirahat sementara. Pemerintah sebenarnya telah menyediakan rumah susun murah di Kemayoran, namun tampaknya berpengaruh dalam mengurangi hunian kumuh ini. Hunian sewa vertikal yang sekaligus menyediakan fasilitas bersama, turut berperan sebagai ruang hijau untuk mengimbangi kepadatan bangunan yang ada di Pademangan. Sehingga tidak hanya diperuntukkan bagi penghuni, namun juga dapat digunakan oleh warga sekitarnya, dimana berdasarkan analisa penulis berlokasi di RW 10 Kelurahan Pademangan Barat.

scholarly journals A Mismatch between External Debt Finances and Consumption Cost in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 58
Author(s):  
Cordelia Onyinyechi Omodero ◽  
Ben-Caleb Egbide ◽  
Joseph Ugochukwu Madugba ◽  
Benjamin Ighodalo Ehikioya
Keyword(s):  
External Debt ◽  
Cost Of Living ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Sufficient Food Supply ◽  
Consumption Cost ◽  
Foreign Loans ◽  
Secondary Form ◽  
The Government ◽  
Lending Institutions ◽  
The Cost

This study scrutinizes the influence of external obligation on the cost of living in Nigeria. In recent times, Nigeria has been tagged as the headquarters of world poverty due to the unaffordable cost of living that has resulted in all manner of crimes prevailing in the country. However, the role of foreign loans being contracted by the government in reducing consumption cost has become a concern, hence this investigation. This study made use of a secondary form of statistical records covering the period 2000–2018. The result of the data analysis has shown that external debt does not improve consumption cost, but rather aids the rising cost of living in Nigeria. In a nutshell, the study suggests that the government should invest a large chunk of the borrowed funds into agriculture and local manufacturing for sufficient food supply and provision of goods and services at reasonable costs. This study recommends support for infant industries and entrepreneurship to reduce the consumption cost in the country. The study also encourages the government to seek debt rearrangement or outright revocation by the lending institutions and countries.

scholarly journals Covid-19 and school closure: Examining the impact on private mid-range and low-fee private basic schools in Ghana

Prospects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lordina Juvenile Ehwi ◽  
Richmond Juvenile Ehwi
Keyword(s):  
Private Schools ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
School Closure ◽  
Profit Margins ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractThe Covid-19 lockdown implemented globally to prevent the spread of the virus has led to the closure of schools. However, insight into the impact of the lockdown on private schools and the responses it has elicited is limited, especially across the African continent. This article examines the impact of the lockdown on private basic schools in Ghana and how they responded to the closure. Following “organizational ambidexterity” and qualitative interviews with nine proprietors of private schools in Ghana, the study found that the schools’ closure had a negative impact on private basic schools in five crucial ways: disruption to teaching and learning, difficulty in retrieving unpaid teaching fees, inability to pay staff salaries and statutory payments, underutilization of existing assets, and the cost of storing unused stock. The article offers suggestions to the government to support private schools that are broadening educational access at thin profit margins.

scholarly journals The Relationship between pre-service elementary school mathematics teachers’ beliefs about epistemology of mathematics, teaching and learning, and mathematics assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Kimura Patar Tamba ◽  
Wiputra Cendana
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Mathematics Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Mathematics Assessment ◽  
Elementary School Mathematics ◽  
Epistemology Of Mathematics ◽  
Mathematics Teaching And Learning ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
The Relationship

<div><p>This study aims to examine the relationship between epistemological beliefs, teaching-learning beliefs and assessment beliefs in mathematics education. This research is a quantitative study with a correlational study. Data collection using the survey method with a cross-sectional design. The participants were 71 pre-service elementary school  , mathematics teachers. The data on beliefs were collected through means of a questionnaire. The data collected from the questionnaire were then analyzed quantitatively through descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics utilizes the mean value, maximum value, and standard deviation values. Inferential statistics use the product-moment correlation as well as path analysis. The research results show that there is a positive and significant correlation between static and dynamic beliefs on epistemology of mathematics, and the constructivist beliefs on mathematics teaching and learning, with the productive beliefs on mathematics assessment. In addition, there is seen to be a functional influence between both epistimological beliefs (both static and dynamic), as well as beliefs on teaching and learning (constructivist) and beliefs about mathematic assessment (productive). The results of this research signify the importance of considering one’s beliefs about the epistemology of mathematics and mathematics teaching and learning when constructing their beliefs regarding mathematics assessment.</p></div>

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