The 2026 edition of the Helping Teachers Teach Mathematics Conference (HTTMC 2026) successfully brought together close over 500 participants both online and in person at the ISSER Conference Hall, University of Ghana, Accra, under the theme: “Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Africa’s Mathematics Classrooms Through Resilience, Innovation and Hope.”
Organised for the 4th time from 19th-21st May through the collaboration of AIMS Ghana, the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) and the Pan-African Initiative for Research (PAIR) both at the University of Waterloo, the conference created an engaging platform for educators, researchers, STEM advocates and mathematics enthusiasts to exchange ideas, explore innovative teaching approaches and strengthen mathematics education across Africa.
Setting the tone for the conference, Dr. Prince K. Osei, Centre President of AIMS Ghana, delivered an inspiring opening address in which he highlighted the urgent need to improve learning outcomes in mathematics education across the continent. He reaffirmed AIMS Ghana’s commitment to supporting teachers and empowering educators to create meaningful and lasting impact in classrooms through innovative and learner-centred teaching practices.
A major highlight of the conference was the address delivered by Mr. Ken Abitey of the National STEM Resource Unit of the Ghana Education Service (GES), on behalf of Mrs. Olivia Serwaa Opare, Director of STEM Education at GES. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of resilience, collaboration and innovation in transforming mathematics classrooms across Africa. He encouraged educators to adopt practical, inclusive and technology-driven teaching methods that make mathematics more engaging and accessible for learners.
The conference featured a rich lineup of plenary sessions, practical workshops and interactive discussions led by renowned educators and experts from Ghana and around the world. Participants benefited from insightful plenary presentations by Dr. Bernard Oduoku Bainson and Prof. Joseph Ansong, alongside sessions facilitated by international speakers including Prof. Judith Ann Koeller, Dr. David Stern, Carly Zinuik, Pof. Jen Nelson, Prof. Elsie Kaufmann and others.
One of the most engaging moments of the conference was a short talk by Prof. Bruce Bayly on teaching geometry using practical and hands-on methods. Through simple activities such as drawing triangles and shaping long balloons, participants explored creative ways of explaining geometric concepts in interactive and memorable ways. The session demonstrated how experiential learning can help connect abstract mathematical ideas to real-life experiences, making mathematics more enjoyable and easier for students to understand.
The conference also included practical and parallel sessions, panel discussions and collaborative activities designed to encourage active participation and peer learning. Sessions such as “Mɛtumi Ayɛ Maths: Building Confidence in Every Classroom” highlighted the importance of building learner confidence and fostering inclusive mathematics classrooms where every student feels capable of succeeding.
From the engaging opening led by organisers including Dr. Comfort Mintah of the University of Waterloo and Dr. Angela Tabiri of AIMS Ghana, to the dynamic exchanges throughout the event, HTTMC 2026 proved to be a vibrant gathering focused on innovation, collaboration and educational impact.
As the conference concluded, participants left inspired and equipped with fresh ideas and practical strategies to strengthen mathematics teaching and learning across Africa.
English