Today, mathematics plays a significant role in every aspect of human life. On the other hand, people underestimate this branch of science and limit its acceptance to simple addition and multiplication, which they studied at school. But the truth is that Math is used in daily activities, including technological advancements. Sergey Tokarev, a co-founder of investment group Roosh, shared insights on improving Math teaching in Ukrainian schools.
Issues in Math Education
According to Sergey Tokarev, Math is the backbone of all technological advancements. It is implemented in coding, launching satellites, and simple everyday activities like searching for a pancake recipe online. However, the way this subject is taught in schools does not interest students in diving into it.
“I remember my own school days when Math was not my favorite subject. Recently, my son asked me how to build a ship that would not sink. While I could recall Archimedes’ Principle, I struggled to explain the calculations involved. I suspect many parents face similar challenges”, added Tokarev.
Sergey Tokarev believes that Math is often taught as an isolated subject in school curricula. Students fail to see its practical value. A study by Oxford University shows that learning Math enhances problem-solving, memory, and analytical skills.
In addition, two significant factors have affected the quality of Math education in Ukraine. The pandemic in 2020 forced a shift to online learning, which lacks the effectiveness of in-person classes. The full-scale invasion of Russia in 2022 worsened the situation: students had to take shelter during attacks or miss classes due to power outages. Many students had to relocate, adding stress and obstacles to their learning journey.
Solutions to Improve Math Teaching
Considering his experience as a parent and initiator of various educational projects, Sergey Tokarev shares several solutions that can help improve Math teaching in Ukrainian schools. They are the following:
- Enhancing Math introduction. The challenge lies in conveying the subject in an engaging and accessible manner.
- Facilitating experience sharing. It is essential for Math teachers to exchange successful teaching strategies and tools. For example, the STEM is FEM project has launched the country’s first STEM ecosystem this year. It offers a platform for teacher interactions, training, and mentorship.
- International collaboration. Learning from other countries is crucial. Ukraine can benefit from adopting foreign education practices and independent projects.
- Increasing education funding. By directing funds towards educational projects and equipping teachers with the necessary tools, it is possible to enhance the quality of education despite ongoing challenges.
- Enhancing teacher prestige. Highlighting the importance of educators can inspire others to join the profession. Documentaries showcasing their efforts during wartime, along with awards and panel discussions, can help raise the profile of teaching as a respected and rewarding career.
Sergey Tokarev believes that mathematics is a cornerstone of progress across numerous fields. By combining governmental and business efforts, it is possible to nurture a generation poised to transform the world.
