Solving problems is an everyday requirement starting from how

to get a meal.

To solve a problem one must consider

strategies necessary to

arrive at the solution

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Mr. Humphrey Obanda

When given a problem one is supposed to follow the procedure of problem solving,which involves

Reading the problem to understand what is required
Listing the information given in the problem
Identify the required formula or a number relationship which will help solve the problem.
Substitute the relevant information in the formula or the number relationship.
Perform the necessary calculations
Answer the question asked in the problem.

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Teaching Mathematics Effectively At

Primary Teacher Training Colleges

There is an urgent need to sensitize mathematics tutors on when to teach

aspects of PTE paper 2 to our trainees.

We teach our trainees on how to make the scheme of work and how to lesson plan yet we spend very little time to teach them how to teach mathematics to the pupils.

We do not spend enough time on methods of teaching mathematics to pupils.

We mention and even sometimes describe what the methods are but we

rarely illustrate to them on how to teach given concepts by those methods.

We rarely teach our trainees by those methods ourselves.

The methods of teaching mathematics are.

Discussion
Demonstration/ observation/Illustration
Q/A method
Role play
Field work
Project work
Discovery method
Problem solving method

The one we have neglected most yet crucial to life is problem solving. This method holds the solutions to almost all our paper 2 problems.

Solving problems is an everyday requirement starting from how to get a meal , build a house for the family……..etc

To solve problems one must consider strategies necessary to arrive at the solution.

Mathematics problems are meant to be samples of problems in every day life.

The solutions of these are meant to equip pupils with the various skills which

they can apply when faced with similar problems.

For every mathematics concept to be taught let us start by stressing the

meaning of the concept.

Then all new concepts be introduced by the corresponding practical activities and particularly at given development stages.

Lets us go to class with the teaching aid, then name it and spend time

on how to make it.then finally how to use it. This includes calibrated instruments of mathematics.

I also advice the following ;

Have a programme of giving particularly 1st years the paper 1 revision papers and let it have a continuous feedback system.
Before a tutor begins this weeks work let him /her spend time working out the difficult problems they encountered in the course of last week s calculations, but at the same time point out on how the markes are awarded by scoring in method s(M)shown and the skills such as B, P ,L and accuracy marks(A) etc.

Success in mathematics depends wholly on having a positive attitude. Lets aim at competency based education in which we nature the capabilities and innovative of our children, by production of good primary school mathematics teachers.

To help us prepare activities that lead children to understand and master concepts in mathematics it is important look at the objectives of teaching primary mathematics as stipulated in the primary mathematics syllabus
To acquire an understanding of numbers and numeration Specifically the learner.
To develop ability to perform the four basic operations Why? In order to identify and use relevant operations in everyday life.
To develop skills in measurements, approximation and estimation Why? In order to be able to estimate measures in real life.
To develop spatial concepts and ability to use them Why? To be able to apply spatial concepts in everyday life.
To acquire techniques of collecting, recording, representing and interpreting data Why? In order to be able to use information from tables and graphs to decide on the course of action.
To develop positive attitude towards mathematics and make good use of leisure time Why? In order to relate mathematics to desirable experiences in everyday life.
To develop techniques for investigation and problem solving strategies Children develop concepts through observation and by doing different activities. Children learn mathematics better if their abilities, needs and interests are taken into account.

All new mathematical concepts should be introduced by a practical activity.

It is important for a teacher to know all the mathematical concepts and formulas across the syllabus and how they come about.

All new mathematical concepts should be taught by discovery method.

During the teaching the learners must be involved and engaged. This is the only way we can develop the competencies in the pupils.