KU concludes campaign to promote mathematics education

Srinagar, Dec 1: Kashmir University (KU) concluded the campaign to promote mathematics education across the Valley.

According to a press release, the Department of Mathematics, Kashmir University (KU), in collaboration with the Kashmir Mathematical Society (KMS) and JK Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC), concluded the 4th phase of its 'School Outreach Programme' for the “Popularisation of Mathematics” with its last leg held at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Hawal, Pulwama.

Over 100 students and teachers from various high and higher secondary schools of the district participated in the programme. The school outreach campaign aimed to orient students towards developing an interest in mathematics by emphasising its essence and applications in real-life scenarios and encouraging enrollment in mathematics and basic science courses at higher levels.

In a special message, KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, commended the Department of Mathematics and the collaborating partners for the initiative. She said, “Mathematics is a cornerstone of scientific progress and innovation and inspiring young minds in this discipline is essential for societal and national development."

While congratulating the organisers for their efforts and encouraging students to embrace the beauty and utility of mathematics, she said: "Through outreach programmes, KU aims to promote mathematics education across the region, with special focus on school children." During the session at Pulwama, former Head, Department of Mathematics, KU, Prof M H Gulzar, emphasised the role of mathematics in solving real-life problems.

Programme Convener and Head, Department of Mathematics, Prof M A Khanday, highlighted the importance of building a strong foundation in mathematics at elementary levels. "There is a strong need for quality curricula and skilled teachers to promote conceptual and experiential learning," he stressed.

Dr Muzafar Rasool, faculty, Department of Computer Sciences, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), delivered a lecture on the role of mathematics in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, describing it as the "backbone of technology". "Math phobia is a significant challenge and is an attribute of 'outdated teaching' methods and societal perceptions," he maintained.