Dr Randolph Watson: Simplifying the problem

Children need to be exposed to mathematics at the earliest age possible. Traditionally, there is great emphasis on literacy and children are encouraged to become avid readers. However, parents, teachers and guardians should begin encouraging them to do math and making it exciting.

This view is shared by Dr Randolph Watson who has been the engine behind the St Elizabeth-based M&M Mathematics Competition since its inception about 10 years ago. He is a trained educator with a bachelor's degree in education psychology and technology in education as well as a doctorate in technology in education.

Being a principal for 13 years at the Bethlehem Moravian College, he has gained insight into the world of academia which propelled him to become the director of student services & community Relations at the All American Institute of Medical Sciences in Black River, St Elizabeth.

We recently sat down with Dr Watson to get his opinions on the importance of math and the issues students face when practising mathematics.

Communications and Business Solutions (CBS): In your opinion, is the study of mathematics important to a child's overall development?

RW: Mathematics is a part of human culture. Without being conscious of it, mathematics helps children and adults to understand the world around us. It plays a vital role in many aspects of the development of modern life.

Why do you think children have such negative attitudes towards mathematics?

When it comes to what happens in the head of a child where thoughts are formed and demonstrated in the form of behaviours, one has to be careful how judgments are made. Social psychologists may suggest that attitudes are formed based on early experiences. If early exposure to mathematics brought about happy feelings, it is likely that the learner will want those feelings, to be replicated. If the experience is going to cause displeasure, why should the learner want to be exposed to these unpleasant experiences? Isn't it normal to avoid or even run away from things that are negative? "Negative attitudes toward mathematics" can find residence in life of children who have had "bad" experiences."

What are your thoughts about the performance of traditional vs the non-traditional high schools throughout the years?

Twelve years ago, when the competition was born it was common knowledge that certain secondary schools received the cream of the crop via the GSAT route. The complaint then from the placement school, was that many students with GSAT grades of 80 per cent and above failed to maintain that high performance. The reasoning was that the basic concepts were not there. Consequently, when some students from the primary schools were placed in different learning environments, they were slow in making the appropriate adjustment, hence their low performance.

Have there been any changes in terms of performance that have caught your attention? If so, what?

Yes, there have been changes. We have found that the non-traditional schools are performing much better from when they initially started the competition. For example, this year, Sherice Ross from Black River High School came out on top in her grade 11 category.

How has the competition itself changed over the years?

Adjustments have been made from time to time as regards areas of emphasis. When the teachers recognise weak performances in certain topics, emerging from the examination results, they recommend that those areas be given special attention in the schools.

This year, a total of $125,000 was given to students that placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in the competition. Is this for their personal use or is it towards their education?

The financial incentive paid out to students is for their personal use. It was felt that at this level, the students should be given an opportunity to manage their own resources. Formerly, computers and cash incentives were given to the schools, to be used exclusively for the advancement of mathematics in the schools.

What are some practical methods that you would suggest to teachers and parents to get children excited about mathematics?

There are many and varied methods that can be applied to get students and teachers excited. Simulations, short quizzes and other practical methods. Mathematics is an applied science. Teachers must remove the mystery out of mathematics. A concept that is not understood is "difficult" for the learner who does not understand; even if that concept is 1+1. So the question is, do we really understand the value of Comenius' abacus? Back to basics please!

Meet the math whizzes

• Name: Malgay Rowe

School: The Hampton School

Grade: 7

Place in M&M Math Competition: 1st

Score: 86%

Advice about mathematics: I like math because it takes a lot of thinking. I like challenges and math provides that for me. I also like to solve problems and to work with numbers. I think it allows me to reason well. To be successful at mathematics students should practise math regularly, seek help from other persons, apply math to everyday life so as to make it less abstract and make full use of available resources, such as CDs, textbooks, the Internet, games, etc.

Mentor/Inspiration: I am inspired by constant encouragement from my mom, my dad, my past Grade 6 teachers Mrs Ashman and Miss Brooks, along with other persons who always believe in me.

• Name: Deandre Sutherland

School: The Hampton School

Grade: 8

Place in M&M Math Competition: 1st

Score: 89%

Advice about mathematics: Mathematics fascinates me because of its complexity. I profusely enjoy solving problems and puzzles as I feel a level of achievement when I complete them. The feeling is magnified if the activity in question is exceptionally difficult. Math is irrefutably the most important subject in the universe. Mathematical equations are essential in almost everything we do. As I had said before, mathematics is a complex subject. Therefore, it is important to pay great attention to details. I always emphasise the importance of reading math problems completely before beginning any calculations as this prevents silly mistakes. Whenever possible, draw a diagram and always look over. It is necessary to practise regularly, make math interesting and fun.

Mentor/Inspiration: As was said by a remarkable woman, "Success comes by hard work but not by wishful thinking." This remarkable woman is indeed my mother and I have proven this statement to be true many times. My mother epitomises who a role model should be as she motivates and inspires me to do my utmost best. She is truly my mentor.