The core mandate of AIMS Ghana is to promote training, research and public engagement in Mathematical Sciences and its related fields.

As a UNESCO Category II Center of Excellence, AIMS is also mandated to provide support for Mathematics teachers, not only within Ghana but also across the sub-region, through various activities and training programs.

In a bid to bolster mathematical education and combat phobia for the subject, AIMS Ghana partnered with the University of Waterloo, Canada, to host the annual “Helping Teachers Teach Mathematics Conference (HTTMC)”. Supported by the Ministry of Education, Ghana, the event aimed to equip educators with innovative teaching techniques aligned with core high school curricula from the 24th to the 26th of April 2024.

Extending its mandate beyond Ghana’s borders, offering support and training to mathematics teachers across the sub-region, this year’s conference, held both online and in-person, provided a platform for educators to share insights and strategies for fostering critical thinking and practical application of mathematical concepts.

Experts like Dr. Comfort Mintah, a lecturer at the University of Waterloo, emphasized the importance of shifting from traditional, fear-inducing teaching methods to more engaging and practical approaches. Mintah stressed the need to make mathematics enjoyable through visualization and interactive problem-solving.

Prof. Elsie Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences, engaged with the teachers, offering motivation and encouragement to prioritize their teaching endeavors. Speaking on behalf of the Ghanaian community, she urged them to foster a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere around the subject of Mathematics in the classroom.

Rich Dlin, a professor at the University of Waterloo, highlighted the evolving nature of mathematics education, advocating for a shift towards fluid, creative problem-solving methods. Speakers at the conference included mathematics professors and lecturers who explored various topics, including enhancing classroom discussions, overcoming math phobia, and utilizing innovative teaching tools in geometry.

After the successful conclusion of the 3-day conference, with over 450 participants online and in-person and close to 15 presentations, the session rounded up with certificates awarded to participants and concluding remarks from Mrs. Olivia Opare, current Director of the Science Education Unit under the Ghana Education Service Science. As an Educationist and a Women Empowerment enthusiast, she used the session as a platform to emphasize the rewards of teaching math, highlighting its dynamic nature with continual advancements, offering opportunities for lifelong learning and professional growth. She stressed the satisfaction of making a difference by inspiring students, fostering a love for math, and witnessing their academic progress. Additionally, she highlighted the community impact of math teachers in building educated societies and the versatility of career settings available to them, from traditional schools to online platforms and international institutions.

The HTTMC organizers from AIMS Ghana led by Dr. Angela Tabiri – Academic Manager and the team from the University of Waterloo, including Dr. Mintah, expressed their satisfaction with the event’s outcomes. They stated the importance of collaboration in enhancing mathematics education and reiterated their commitment to providing ongoing support and training to educators across Africa

Through initiatives like the HTTMC, AIMS Ghana remains committed to empowering mathematics teachers with the tools and strategies needed to inspire the next generation of mathematicians across Africa.