Written by Marguerita Bagulo

The International Day of Mathematics is an annual celebration that falls on the 14th of March. It is also known as Pi day in some countries because the date is written as 3/14, and the mathematical constant of Pi is 3.14. It is organized by the International Mathematical Union and many countries and organizations around the world gladly participate in it.

The International Day of Mathematics is a somewhat new occasion, as its maiden edition was held on the 14th of March in 2020. It was chosen by the Executive Council of UNESCO during its 205th session and adopted by the 40th session of the General Conference of the UNESCO in November 2019. The International Day of Mathematics celebration aims to educate people about the role mathematics plays in science and technology, increase access to information about mathematics, increase international networking, improve quality of life as well as empower women and girls to enter mathematics related fields. The theme for this year’s International Day of Mathematics is ‘Mathematics Unite’.

The Ghana Society for Education Technology is the premier professional educational technology association in Africa based in Ghana. GSET advances excellence in learning, teaching and leading through innovative and effective uses of technology. Through partnerships with the Ghana Education Society (GES), National Teaching Council (NTC) among others, GSET accelerates the use of technology to solve tough problems and inspire innovation in STEM education.

The Ghana Society for Education Technology (GSET) with support from ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Ghana (Deepwater) Limited, and her partners, GNPC and Goil Ghana; commemorated the International Day of Mathematics last year with a webinar which aimed to train and educate Ghanaian Mathematics teachers on the use of creative starters in their classes. There were over 500 Mathematics teachers across the country in attendance.  The webinar echoed the fact that it requires all stakeholders pooling efforts together to promote and make the teaching and learning of Mathematics fun and interesting. 

Math starters are 5-15 minute activities that serve as opportunities to slide in mathematical intelligence-level content and skills in a fun and engaging way. It is designed as a transition activity to a new topic. It is also ideal for settling down the group especially after break time. It usually stirs up mathematical thinking in students. Knowing when and how to introduce math starters is the bridge to making the students understand the topic at hand, which in turn determines the level of achievement as a teacher. 

GSET, in commemoration of IDM is organizing a free virtual numeracy tutorial for all Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE) candidates. The National Teaching Council is mandated by the Education Act 2008 (Act 778), Section 9 to improve professional standing and status of teachers and to license and register teachers in Ghana. The purpose of the Licensing Examination is to enable qualified teachers acquire a professional license; and also attract excellent young graduates from the universities and Colleges of Education who have the required professional knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to deliver effectively in schools.

In 2021, GSET organised two GTLE workshops for candidates. This year, GSET is launching its campaign to enable qualified teachers acquire a professional license by providing an all accessible platform for eligible candidates. Click here to register https://forms.gle/JYhtvnVhDos5dqpN6