Do not fear Mathematics, rural students told
Saturday, 23 August 2003 (Source: Bernama)

TELUPID: Students in rural schools should not fear Mathematics because it is a subject not difficult to muster if one acquired the right learning approach, Sabah Chief Minister's Science and Technology Adviser Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said on Saturday.

He said much of the problem of poor performance by students in the subject stemmed from lack of appreciation of mathematics as a concept and tool of daily living.

"We actually deal with mathematics in almost every part of our daily lives, from measuring length, distance and time to counting our purchases, meals and drinks," he explained.

Dr Ongkili was speaking at the launching of the 9th Smart Mathematics Camp at SMK Telupid near here, organised by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) in collaboration with the Science Unit of the Chief Minister's Department and the Education Department.

The three-day camp attended by 50 top mathematics students selected from three secondary schools in Telupid is aimed at enhancing students' appreciation of mathematics and imparting problem-solving skills to the participants.

"The primary goal of the camp is to instill appreciation of mathematics as a concept. Once students are able to understand the values of mathematics as a tool for living, learning will be painless and the young will begin to love the subject and enjoy learning and using it," he stressed.

Ongkili, who is also MP for Bandau and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) deputy president stressed the role of teachers and parents in encouraging students to develop aptitude and skills in mathematics.

"Creation of interest and appreciation of technical subjects such as mathematics by students depends a lot on guidance and the shepherding role of teachers and parents.

"Today's educational environment is now much more conducive to learning technical subjects compared to the secondary school days of my peers in the late 60s where we had to walk hours to school and burn candles for light in boarding schools.

"Today even in rural schools like SMK Telupid we have computer labs and smart maths camp like this one. For today's students, the future is truly in your hands.

"The government has provided enormous amount of assistance to make it easier for rural students to acquire knowledge and qualifications. Although needs in rural schools are still plenty, students have no excuse not to give their best and aim for excellence in their educational pursuits," he said.

Also present at the camp launch were Associate Prof Dr Amran Ahmad who represented the UMS Vice Chancellor, Director of State Science Unit Mokhtar Yassin Ajam and Principal of SMK Telupid Rashidie Marujin.