Breaking Stereotypes: Gateway’s Innovative Approach to Mathematics Education
Gateway College has challenged the common belief that Mathematics is a difficult subject that can only be comprehended by a few selected students. With the objective of making students more comfortable with the learning of Mathematics through the teaching of concepts in a relatable manner, last March, the Gateway Group of Schools introduced a novel programme for their students of Years 3 to 13.
This initiative aimed at enhancing the analytical skills and deepening the mathematical understanding among students, is the Gateway Oxford Maths Olympiad (GOMO). GOMO is a collaboration between Gateway College and the Sri Lanka Olympiad Mathematics Foundation (SLOMF) which is sponsored by the Oxford University Press (OUP). OUP is a department of the University of Oxford that shares the objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.
The Gateway Oxford Maths Olympiad was conducted in two phases. The first was a free, foursession basic training course taught online through MS Teams by Dr. Chanakya Wijeratne, CEO of SLOMF and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mathematics, University of Colombo. This prepared students to take part in the Sri Lanka Mathematics Competition (SLMC). Based on their results in the SLMC, the students progressed to a ten-session advanced training course that ended with a final competition. Students challenged themselves to break away from rote memorization and find solutions to real problems and puzzles by thinking out of the box. One gold, two silver, and three bronze medals were awarded in each age category, in each school. The High Achievers of each school will be recognised at the awards day celebrations of the respective schools, in November this year.
The Gateway Oxford Maths Olympiad has been a resounding success, providing students with the opportunity to develop their mathematical skills and compete at a national level. By promoting Mathematics education through initiatives such as the GOMO, Gateway College is making a positive impact on the academic success of its students and breaking stereotypes about the subject. Arrangements are now in place to commence the next round of GOMO, from June this year.
To develop a culture that is appreciative of Mathematics and to raise the overall standard of the subject within the organization, Gateway College provides its teachers with continuous training. Gateway has also setup Maths Labs in each school that are equipped with manipulatives that help students transition from concrete to abstract thinking, making it easier for them to understand the concepts.