Tulip School workshop: New math, new technology [Archives:2002/16/Reportage]

Yasser Al-Mayasi
Yemen Times Staff
The need for more computers and updated curriculum in classrooms of math students across Yemen was stressed during a math workshop.
During a workshop in reshaping mathematics using technology, held at Zaid al-Musheki School April 1 to 3, Stephen Johnson, workshop presenter and Tulip School Consultant, noted that math and society have both changed.
Mr. Stephen noted the rapid development of calculator and computer technology is putting the greatest pressure on the traditional mathematics curriculum.
Most of the techniques currently being taught are now built into hand-held calculator.
The calculator can simplify an equation, solve an equation or graph an equation simply by pushing few buttons.
The availability of these tools means less time is needed for teaching paper and pencil techniques and more time is made available for students to work on practical applications of mathematics.
This workshop featured hands-on experience with both computers and graphical calculators, which connect to computers.
Teachers of mathematics practice using computer software especially created to help teach mathematics.
Also, the participants practiced using software not created specially for teaching, but more broadly based mathematical software.
Part of the workshop involved group discussions of the pros and cons of using calculators and computers in the mathematics classroom.
Participants are asked to write their opinions on this topic and also to write a lesson plan that teaches a mathematical topic using technology.
Certificates of appreciation are awarded at the end of the workshop.
Johnson has taught mathematics and computers at either the secondary or the university level in eight different countries. He has presented similar seminars and workshops in the United States, Kenya, Greece and India.
The workshop was attended by the General Manager of Education Office, Stephen Johnson, the workshop presenter, Ali Alkumaim, the General Director of the Local Council at Assabaeen area, Ahmed al-Haifi and the Principal of Zaid al-Musheki School, Khaled al-Ashbat.
Feed back from the participants was very positive:
* In general the participants were pleased to become aware of technology and new methods of teaching, and the world is becoming more technical so the student should be knowledgeable of this technology.
* Participants agreed that faster learning is possible, and more accurate results can be produced using computers.
* Students can work on more advanced problems which they couldnt solve before by using papers and pencils.
*Some participants thought that traditional method are necessary because they dont expect the technology to be available in their class rooms.
Tulip School is a growing educational institute that survive to improve its pedagogical methods in training skills for teachers in both private and public schools.
The Principal at Tulip School Mrs. Eman Mashhour has emphasized that this workshop is a part of seminars which are going to be held throughout the year. The schools responded positively. There were 29 participants from different schools and different nationalities.

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