SQU international conference focuses on early teaching of mathematics

MUSCAT: “The International Conference on Trends in Innovative Mathematics Curricula-Highlights on Early Mathematics Education” organised as part of the “Oman Mathematics Day III” by the Oman Mathematics Committee was opened on Monday at SQU under the patronage of HH Sayyid Taimur bin Asaad al Said, Assistant SecretaryGeneral for Communications at the Research Council.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Magda bint Talib al Hinai, Chairperson of the Oman Mathematics Committee, said that the committee which was established to become the advisory body in the field of mathematics education in the Sultanate, is keen to raise the quality of educational output level in mathematics. Dr Hamood bin Khalfan al Harthy, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Education, in his address, spoke about the ministry’s strategic plans for developing mathematics curricula in the government schools in Oman and the challenges faced in teaching of mathematics in the country.

The event features plenary talks and five workshops on mathematics education delivered by experts from Oman and abroad. Dr Mohammed al Ghafri, Assistant Professor in Mathematics Education, led workshop on teaching function: a way to enhance student thinking in mathematics. Dr Iman al Osta from the Lebanese American University will lead two workshops on developing critical thinking through mathematical problem solving. Around 400 participants, including mathematics teachers and educationalists, are attending the three-day event.

The Sultanate has joined the International Mathematics Union (IMU) as an associate member in August 2010. The Oman Mathematics Committee was established through a decree of the Council of Ministers of Oman. The committee acts as a link between the IMU and all institutions specialised in mathematics in Oman.