Fear of maths must be dispelled, say experts

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, DEC. 4.The launching of a book titled "Algebra in the language of children" generated a lively discussion among mathematics scholars on the need to dispel fear of the subject in children by improving teachers' training.

Suggestions ranging from a change in the content of in Secondary Grade Bachelors' Training course to teaching with a bit of love for children were aired by the experts at the function organised by the A. P. State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE).

The book written in simple Telugu by Mr. Namini Subrahmanyam Naidu, short-story writer who edits a weekly pull-out of a Telugu newspaper, was described by the maths expert, Prof. K. Kuppuswamy Naidu, as easily readable, parent friendly and aimed at removing some of the mental blocks of parents and teachers. He had shown how the abstract nature of algebra could be taught in an easy way.

Prof. C. Subba Rao, Chairman of APSCHE, said creativity was nobody's exclusive preserve and it must be exploited for the larger good irrespective of the person's background. He said mathematics was a seamless subject though education itself had been divided into water-tight compartments of primary, secondary and higher. The Council of Higher Education would support any endeavour to produce learner-friendly literature as it would help in transferring knowledge to less-endowed institutions.

Mr. M. Nagarjuna, Chief Executive Officer, Literacy Mission, said a survey among children in classes one to ten revealed that they dreaded Mathematics and English most. This fear was due to deficiencies in teaching, especially when the pupils were first generation students.

Mr. C. Ramaiah, noted educationist, said the author had posed a challenge to maths teachers and education planners by asking the question why students were afraid of the subject. He had provided the answer by saying that a teacher must give examples of the child's immediate environment.

Mr. D. Madhusudana Rao, Managing Director of Hitech Print Systems Limited and publisher of the book, proposed a vote of thanks.

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