Maths, science reforms committee commissioned

Enoch Darfah Frimpong Education Mar - 04 - 2014 , 08:41

As part of efforts to reverse the downward performance trend in the teaching and learning of mathematics and science in the education sector, a high-level committee has been commissioned to brainstorm the process of reforming the negative attitudes and perceptions in the study of these subjects.

Inaugurating the committee, the Minister for Education, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman, stated that the evaluation of examination performance and various reports over the years indicated a very poor performance trend in both the teaching and the learning of mathematics and science.

She said as a result, most students did not offer mathematics and science-related courses in institutions of higher learning.

A statement issued and signed by the Director of Public Affairs of the ministry, Mr Paul Kofi Krampa, said as a step towards addressing the situation, the minister urged the committee to brainstorm extensively and come out with a report on the necessary improvements, with a road map for reforming the teaching and learning of mathematics and science.

Solid foundation for academic work

The minister indicated that mathematics and science education at the basic level provided a solid foundation for academic work at the universities and polytechnics and served as a means for suitable skills development for the workplace. There was, therefore, the need to tackle the issue with all the seriousness that was required.

According to the education minister, the committee’s scope of work is to look at issues bordering on institutional framework, curriculum review and training in mathematics and science at the colleges of education (COE)

The committee is also expected to look at issues on pedagogy, teaching and learning materials and technology and private sector participation.

The committee members expressed worry about the issue at stake and gave an unflinching pledge to work assiduously to deal with the falling performance standards in the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Science.