The following is excerpted from the July, 2014, edition of EDUCATIONAL EXTRACTS, A Bi-annual Peer Reviewed Educational Journal from St. Thomas College of Teacher Education, Pala, Kerala, India.
Anu James, HOD, Department of Science/Mathematics & Chief Examination Officer, JBCN International School, Borivali, Mumbai, explains the need and benefits of using innovations in mathematics teaching. Innovative practices undertaken by JBCN International School, Borivali, such as First in Math, are discussed.
The teaching and learning of mathematics is a complex activity and many factors determine its success. The nature and quality of instructional material, the presentation of content, the pedagogic skills of the teacher, the learning environment and the motivation of students are all important and must be kept in mind in any effort to ensure quality in the teaching-learning of mathematics. The value of using innovation, especially the use of manipulatives, has been recognized for many years, but some teachers are reluctant to incorporate it in their lessons. It is important for children to have a variety of materials to manipulate and explore if they are to construct mathematical knowledge. In order to have opportunities to learn math, children need first hand experiences related to math, interaction with other children and adults concerning these experiences and time to reflect on the experiences. Educational research indicates that the most valuable learning occurs when students actively construct their own mathematical understanding, which is often accomplished through the use of manipulatives.
JBCN International School believes in the maxim of learning through fun. The school is in association with various programmes/ organizations who practice this thoroughly in their activities.
Through the First In Math (FIM) Online Program, learners get immersed in an interactive environment where new skills are acquired progressively and improvement is continually recognized. In sports, kids take ownership of the practice necessary to improve, often with little guidance from adults. First In Math (FIM) facilitates this same response where students are eager to practice mathematics.
The program provides DEEP PRACTICE, which is a neurological phenomenon, more powerful than normal practice. Skills that may take months of regular practice can be mastered in a matter of weeks, or even days, by tackling a complex subject in manageable parts. With immediate feedback for error correction, students take responsibility of their own goal of mastery learning—driving success in every area. Significant test results can be achieved in minutes a day, using Deep Practice.
First In Math®, an online program created by world-renown Chinese inventor; Robert Sun, has a unique international competition feature, where math becomes a sport to motivate students to solve more problems. Compared to worksheets, students excitedly and willingly solve 5 times more problems on First In Math. “Having journeyed with FIM as a parent, teacher and strategist, I bring this powerful tool to India and create the awareness of brain-based learning that transforms the school and family dynamic”, says Ms. Monica Patel, CEO, First In Math, India. The community of JBCN International collectively solved approximately 15 lakh problems last year with the top player from Standard 4 having solved about 65,000 problems. Teachers and school leaders played a key role in motivating students to achieve excellence with First In Math.
Mrs. Fatema Agarkar, one of the trustees of JBCN schools, an enthusiastic and passionate educationist, spearheaded the implementation of this US based programme. 15 lakh students worldwide are using the program to master math skills. Comprehensive content is presented in a challenge format and gets students to love serious mathematics like no other program does.
JBCN Borivali was the #2-ranked FIM school in India for the academic year 2012- ’13 and in the year 2013-’14 we reached the top position ie. #1 Ranked FIM school in India beating more than 20 schools across the country.
The school as a whole, including the teachers, irrespective of their subject areas, has embraced this program and is taking it forward this year as well. Some of the reflections on FIM made by eminent educationists are as follows: “The First In Math® (FIM) programme is an excellent tool for drill work in mathematics. Mathematics is pegged on the ‘cliche’ that practice makes perfect and to a very large extent there is a lot of truth in it. Math teachers endeavor to provide this drill in traditional forms and students yearn for innovative and attention-gripping techniques.
FIM has successfully integrated these requirements of both teacher and student to good effect. What impressed me most of FIM is that it supplements the efforts of the teachers and does not replace it”, says Mr. Raymond Fernandes, Vice Principal. JBCN International School, Oshiwara, Mumbai. “Math has been a subject that I have dreaded all my life. Glad to be in the Humanities stream, Math was kept miles away. At JBCN, as the homeroom teacher for Grade 8, I was introduced to First In Math which allowed for learners, class and teacher awards. I tried my hand at it, enjoyed the activities, learned concepts without stress and loved every moment. I was the top teacher player of the school and also topped the National level for consecutive periods throughout the year. I would recommend FIM to everyone, especially those that dread Math and I am sure that Math will become your favourite subject.”- Ms. Snehlata Alphonso, Head of Humanities, JBCN International School, Borivali, Mumbai.
“The First in Math programme has encouraged my 6 year old to embrace mathematical concepts with eagerness and zeal. It has, in a fun-filled way, shown him that you can perfect yourself in Maths only if you practice daily. It did also help his reading and comprehension skills. So it is a programme with a dual purpose.” Ms. Florina Fernandes, HOD, English, JBCN International School, Borivali, Mumbai and mother of 6 year old Aaryan (JBCNite).