Khaberni - A question in the Arabic language subject of the general secondary exams in Egypt this year caused widespread controversy, and the question was included within a piece of liberated reading, stating, "A survey conducted by the Global Web Research Foundation related to data of internet users in 34 countries, found that users in Thailand, the Philippines, and Brazil spend 9 hours per day on the internet, spending a third of these hours on social media."
The question based on reading the passage was "How many hours per day do internet users in Thailand, the Philippines, and Brazil spend on social media?"
Most students claimed there was a puzzle in the exam, and some argued that it was a mathematics question and should not have been included in an Arabic language exam.
Mathematics is more than just a subject
Students around the world differ on the subject of mathematics, with many trying to avoid anything involving numbers and data, and they continue to question the usefulness of studying the subject if they don't intend to enroll in engineering colleges.
In response to these questions, experts point out that mathematics exists in all aspects of life and is essential for daily tasks and improving the quality of life, as well as enhancing the brain's ability to solve problems and make sound decisions, moreover stimulating and developing skills of critical thinking and quantitative analysis necessary for success in any academic specialty, besides helping to adapt to the rapid advances in the world of technology.
Numbers are the basis of life transactions
Written by Mike Levitowitz, a board member at the Mind Institute for Research in the United States, stated that mathematics is one of the most important sciences everyone should learn; it is fundamental to any scientific and technological progress, denying that any nation can flourish or advance without a strong foundation in mathematics.
Levitowitz points out that mathematics works to develop and enhance skills of hypothesizing, designing experiments, analyzing data, recognizing patterns, searching for evidence and conclusions, and proving them.
According to Levitowitz, "studying mathematics not only leads to the graduation of more scientists and engineers but also increases the acquisition of critical and creative thinking skills regardless of the individual's professional field."
A study conducted by neuroscientist Ryota Kawashima and a professor at Tohoku University in Japan showed that mathematics builds brain muscles and increases their size and is one of the best practices to enhance activity levels in both the right and left hemispheres of the frontal lobe of the brain, according to "The Guardian" (The Guardian) the British newspaper.
Why do teenagers' brains need mathematics?
Many education systems around the world allow students the opportunity to leave studying mathematics in high school. According to a study from the Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford in England, ceasing to study mathematics after age 16 reduces gamma aminobutyric acid" (GAPA) in the brain, a chemical necessary for important cognitive functions required to stimulate memory, learning, and thinking.
According to the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), more than 130 students aged between 14 and18 participated, and after 19 months from the start of the study they were completely evaluated cognitively.
To foster a child who loves numbers and mathematics, experts offer these tips:
Understanding the meaning of numbers instead of rote learning: Memorizing numbers and relying on repetition does solve the problem of mathematics at an early age, yet this method does not teach the child the feeling for numbers, and it should be replaced with strategies based on analysis and understanding.
Encouraging games that develop mathematical skills: Games that help in understanding mathematical concepts should be included to spark the child's interest, including board games, assembling Lego pieces, and playing with origami paper which trains the child on measurements and shapes, as well as playing chess to develop his mental skills.
Focusing on logic not right and wrong: It is preferable to focus on logical thinking in solving mathematical problems and reaching answers through different strategies rather than focusing only on test scores.
Praising the effort made instead of praising speed: Providing enough time for the child to understand and arrange the steps leading to the results of mathematical problems is more important than focusing on their speed in solving.
Avoid parents acknowledging their dislike for mathematics: When one of the parents acknowledges their poor performance in mathematics, a conviction is transferred to the child that they have also inherited weakness in mathematics. Researchers from the University of Chicago have discovered that parents who suffer from math anxiety (Math anxiety) inadvertently transfer this anxiety to their children, making their performance in mathematics poor.
Stimulating a growth mindset in the child: The child should understand that no one is born skilled in something, and mistakes are acceptable as part of developing skills.
Fostering a love for mathematics among teenagers
Experts present some strategies that help teenagers take an interest in mathematics, including:
Talking to a teenager about what he studies in mathematics and attempting to support him using available online educational resources.
It is necessary to always refer to the importance of mathematics in our lives, such as discussing its importance in designing computer applications.
Using some movies to explore mathematics and its importance, or watching documentaries about inspiring mathematicians, such as Einstein Hypatia and Alan Turing.
Encouraging following useful and attractive mathematics lessons, as on Khan Academy's website and "Eddie Woo" on YouTube.
Mathematical skills are linked to employment and social and economic status. Therefore, it is wise to be aware that sticking to learning mathematics could be a way to one of the prestigious and rewarding professions in the future.
Teenagers should participate in financial decisions, such as being responsible for organizing the family budget or participating in financial decisions and studying them, and simplifying economic concepts for them like the concept of mortgages, taxes, insurance and financial markets.
