GHAZIABAD, INDIA-Following last month's visit to Billabong High
International School, First In Math representatives Monica Patel
and Akshita Gandhi conducted a First In Math motivational assembly
at Ryan International School for Standards 3-5 and 6-8. The school
currently has more than 1,600 students enrolled in the online
program.
Top photo: Ryan students greet the Suntex Team.
Bottom photos, l to r: Top player, Naman, is honored for solving
15,982 problems on the FIM program and receives a FIM backpack;
Principal Anju Sharma elevates student spirit, prior to the
assembly; Akshita Gandhi applauds as top students are
recognized.
Patel, a former teacher, deeply enjoys meeting with students,
and couldn't help noticing that the cold winter of Delhi was in
sharp contrast to their bubbling excitement. "The children were
amazed that they had solved so many problems. When I asked them how
many stickers they had-and then told them to multiply the number by
3 because each sticker represents roughly three problems solved
correctly-they went mad!"
Patel was particularly impressed with a student named Chahak,
who was ranked #5 at Ryan, and the only girl in the top 10. "When
we honored her during the ceremony, I set a goal for her: try and
make it to #1 so that you can inspire all female mathematicians,"
explains Patel. "Would you believe that this darling girl rose to
the challenge, and in 20 days made it to #1, all grades. She
currently has more than 7,000 stickers."
"When we showed students how to interpret FIM Rankings at the
State, National and even International level, there was tremendous
excitement and the children were furiously calculating how many
stickers they would need to earn to get to the desired Rank," adds
Gandhi, pointing out that in the month following the visit, Ryan
International has gone from an average of 80 stickers per student
to 203 stickers per student.
As in the BHIS assembly, Patel spoke about her four steps for
successful implementation:
1. Address the question, 'Why should I do maths?'
2. Crush the 'maths anxiety' that many students feel by tailoring
FIM to their comfort level.
3. Relate compelling stories of Champions of FIM and give students
a lofty goal.
4. Show students how to achieve their goal while enjoying the
process of attaining the goal.
She also pointed out that the added benefit is that this
four-step process transfers the ownership of maths practice onto
the student. "I cannot stress enough the importance of this 'Deep
Practice' that FIM promotes," explained Patel.
Patel also recognized Top FIM Teams for their performance, as
well as the Top 10 Players and Players of the Week. The assembly
ended with students chanting, 'Play FIM with the courage of lions
and rule the Rankings!' Afterward, students approached Patel asking
for tips and pointers. Their respectful behavior, outstanding
conduct, and keenness to learn were a reflection of the best of
Indian culture. Patel and Gandhi are appreciative of the very warm
welcome extended to them by Principal Anju Sharma, FIM School
Anchor Arpita Sharma, the Vice Principal and the supervisors of
respective grade groups.
Patel has been a First In Math® Online Program Implementation
Strategist in the U. S. for the past two years, and travels to
India regularly to help the program grow in her native country.
"Both assemblies I have attended during my first visit of 2012 were
memorable, and I can't wait to share the experience with our
students in USA. Through First In Math, we are fostering a global
community of student mathematicians!"
FIM Implementation Consultant, Akshita Gandhi, is permanently
based near Delhi, and can be reached via email at akshita@firstinmath.in with
questions about the First In Math® Online Program.