LETTERS: Considered the "Queen of Sciences", mathematics plays a vital role in technological developments.
George Birkhoff, the foremost American mathematician, argued that "one should study mathematics because it is only through mathematics that nature can be conceived in a harmonious form".
Roger Bacon, a scientist of the 13th century, stated that: "Neglect of mathematics works as an injury to all knowledge, since he who is ignorant of it can't know other sciences or things of the world."
World Bank research suggests that better mathematics results raise the national output and incomes.
For example, the fields of semiconductor technology, biotechnology, medical instrumentation systems and digital-image processing are all based on mathematical concepts.
When medical science research develops new treatments for medical conditions, knowing the amount of medication administered is critical when evaluating the effect of the treatment, just as knowing exactly how much of what chemicals went into creating the medication.
As amounts are adjusted and outcomes assessed, the mathematical data created may be used to extrapolate further possible treatment procedures or doses.
Mathematics is also applied to agriculture, ecology, epidemiology, tumour and cardiac modelling, DNA sequencing, gene technology and engineering.
It helps us to reduce to a quantitative expression the relationships that exist in the real world. We get further satisfaction when we are able to interpret the results of research work which cannot be put in words.
Mathematical concepts are good for young learners as well as teachers.
PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) scores of 15-year-olds' mathematical attainment across countries prepared by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), a club of mostly rich countries, are prodding educators in many countries to re-examine what maths to teach and how to teach it.
In the latest 2018 triennia PISA ranking, Malaysian students scored lower than the OECD average in reading, mathematics and science.
In 2018, only 44 per cent of students chose Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) streams compared with 48 per cent in 2012. The declining trend is worrying.
And the government's target is to ensure that 60 per cent of students major in STEM. Further, employers are desperate for science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills.
Here are four suggestions to revive interest among children to learn mathematics so that they will have a challenging career individually, and, in turn, boost the country's prosperity.
First, the Education Ministry should intensify the implementation of the STEM package. It should make additional mathematics a compulsory subject in the science stream.
And it should upgrade the capacity of the educators to teach mathematics in a captivating manner. That way, the ministry can turn out school-leavers who are proficient in mathematics.
Second, computers and calculators have made algorithmic learning of maths redundant. Maths curriculums in schools should be more rigorous on "social justice" maths, that is, they should be attuned to problem-solving.
That way students get an understanding of the formulae rather than just rote learning. Notwithstanding, rote learning should not be completely replaced.
Third, parents should encourage their children to choose mathematics as their field of study in higher education. This is because the top 10 highest-earning college degrees all have one thing in common — mathematical skills.
One study suggests that one reason why people with a mathematics background earn more is because learning maths makes you smarter and more productive.
Fourth, finding math teachers to teach advanced maths is not easy. Also, given that it is an invaluable asset for the country, universities should offer scholarships to attract more students to learn higher-level mathematics.
That way they can, among others, become qualified teachers and professors. Besides, universities are socially responsible for upgrading the mathematics-teaching community.
Let us join together in creating students who can tackle world challenges by mastering the discipline of mathematics.
RAMAN RAGURAMAN
Deputy Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Computer Technology,
AIMST University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times