Srinagar : The University of Kashmir (KU), recently organised its 3rd phase of awareness-cum-outreach program for students of district Kulgam. Since Kashmir region has witnessed a decline in student enrollment in the subject after qualifying class 10 due to various reasons, the programme is part of the varsity’s ongoing school outreach campaign for the popularisation of mathematics at the high/higher secondary level aiming to improve the enrollment of students in mathematics in higher education.
The program is being organised by KU’s Department of Mathematics in collaboration with Kashmir Mathematical Society (KMS), JK Science Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC), District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Kulgam. Over 150 students/teacher participants from various high/higher secondary schools of Kulgam district attended the programme. The university has taken the initiative to orient school students to overcome the phobia of mathematics and inspire them to develop an interest towards mathematics.
Speaking on the occasion, Head, Department of Mathematics, Prof Mukhtar Ahmad Khanday, highlighted the importance and impact of these awareness programmes at various districts of Kashmir region and briefed the participants about the objectives of the programme.
Prof Khanday highlighted the role of teachers, students parents and policymakers in eradicating the fear of mathematics and comprehensively discussed the career opportunities at school and college level for the students opting the subject.
“Teachers should develop student-centric classroom environment and engage students in discussions and focus on technology-based teaching-learning pedagogy,” he said, adding that the policymakers can help the nation by adopting the model of developed countries for the overall growth of the subject. “There is no doubt that good mathematicians can lead the nation in economy, technology and other emerging fields. It is essential to recruit adequate subject-specialised teachers for the growth of mathematics at elementary, secondary and senior secondary school level,” Khanday added.
Principal, DIET Kulgam, RifatSarosh, appreciated the varsity for organising the programme at DIET and discussed the role of their institute in education sector.
Senior Lecturer, Mathematics (Co-Convener) of the programme, Arshad H Wani, discussed some teaching experiences with the students and also presented the vote of thanks. Assistant Professor, Mathematics, GDC Boys, Anantnag, Dr Aijaz Ahmed Najar, delivered a lecture on applications of mathematics, while Dr Umar, a mathematics tutor from south Kashmir and others spoke on various aspects of mathematics education and associated grassroots problems.
Special guest, Shah Abdullah Hammaad – child prodigy, a class 4th student from Arwani, Bijbehara who expressed his interest towards mathematics and physics, inspired the participating students by means of having understanding of these subjects beyond the level of class 11th and 12th and suggested them to solve mathematical problems like a puzzle to make it more interesting.
Escort teachers and students made their viewpoints about the programme and the teachers/students from various schools demonstrated their mathematical models. During the valedictory session, ACR Kulgam, MushtaqRasool, extensively discussed the relevance of these programmes and deliberated on the importance of the subject in creative thinking. General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC), Kulgam also spoke about the role of mathematics in personality development and real-life applications.
