by Natali Chinchaladze, NTS teen blogger
Why is math important? It has been a key area of study even before formal schooling began. But what role does it play in the development of the human mind particularly during childhood?
At Stanford University, researchers have identified that there are three regions of the brain that predict improvement in math learning. Evidently, even the simplest math tasks “lit up” multiple regions of the brain simultaneously. Tanya Evans, the lead researcher, said, “It’s not just a math part of the brain; it’s a network of regions”. [1] This means that the whole brain is “awake” while concentrating on math solutions.
Now, what happens to adolescents who don’t receive or stop receiving education in math? Researchers from the Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford and Loughborough University experimented on 133 students ages 14–18 and found a decrease in certain brain chemicals in a brain area that supports math, memory, learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. [2] This means that key functions never develop to their fullest, leaving minds under-developed in critical areas such as: problem-solving, organizing chaotic thoughts, rational thinking, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and the ability to order activities in steps.
In Kenya, this shows up in employer responses to surveys. While most employers report being satisfied with the knowledge of graduates in different disciplines, they consistently report deficiencies problem-solving skills. Problem-solving involves an ability to plan ahead and look at the consequences of different potential decisions. If this critical skill isn’t learned in early years through math education, it becomes much harder to teach in later years and can lead to a stunted career future.
Nyamboyo’s Technical School is combatting this in our three years of intensive vocational training. Students learn math in their studies. In addition, NTS is developing algebra and financial literacy programs that will be required of all students within the next year. Our goal is to provide students with a training that opens their minds and gives them skills beyond math, using math as a tool for brain development.
[2]https://www.lboro.ac.uk/news-events/news/2021/june/lack-math-education-affects-brain-development/