Mathematics

In my country, India, Mathematics is not explored, it is simply studied.  I believe knowing how to maneuver and manipulate within the mathematical framework is important for people from all backgrounds. It develops a certain rational understanding that can benefit anyone in any field. This problem persists because the methodology of education seems to be flawed. Students are not given a visual of how Math can benefit them, where it can take them and what all is possible to do by possessing mathematical understanding. Because of this reason, not knowing Math seems to have become a cult-virtue. Among certain groups, knowing Maths, enjoying it and striving to explore it are attributed to individuals from some academic and professional backgrounds.

To start a construction business, you need to have an understanding of the software used in drawing and designing of buildings. Either you can hire professionals or outsource that division, both of which require huge initial monetary investment or you can possess the skills yourself. This last is needed even when you hire professionals. This illustrates my point further that Mathematics is essential. Many times you feel restricted because of not possessing good command on mathematics, even now when so many self-help instructions are available online.

At middle-school level how many students are aware of the "Pigeon hole Principle" ? I don't think even many college graduates, not just from Science or Engineering backgrounds, are aware of it. The global purview of Math is not given to the students. They are not encouraged to explore Math from Russia, USA or even China. In an age where all such material is available online and is one-click away from you, leaving it unexplored seems to be a waste of potential which pulls the population at-least a generation behind. Making learning Math more interesting and engaging by making students aware of  Great Mathematicians of the past, their tireless efforts toward accomplishing what they did and interesting theorems which require greater application of mind can help them develop skills that can intrinsically empower them.

So many online portals have come up which make it possible to interact with best minds from all over the world like Khan Academy, Brilliant & Cut the knot, to name a few. When so many options are available, students should be encouraged to explore and learn in the true sense of the word so they can apply what they learn through out their life. Striving for this longevity should be an agenda which educators should aim at achieving. Another aspect I would want to bring attention to is that when students are not taught these skills at school level, these students face problems later in life when they prepare for their competitive exams, this approach wastes their time twice, while they are in school and later on as well. Simply telling students that without Math they can't survive is not good enough, they should be helped to develop interest in it and not feel burdened with it instead should welcome it. Khanacademy collaborated with several schools in US, wherein weekly classes of the videos of the website were presented to students and this helped them in developing interest in Math and improving at it. Similar can be very easily implemented in schools here. It will bring a revolution and improve the quality of people entering in every sector & pre-pone the changes which are due for later decades. Developing these faculties can have many indirect social impacts leading to a better country with more opportunities, innovations and prosperity.