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A two-day conference entitled “Mathematics Education” kicked off at Armenian State Pedagogical University on October 15. The conference organized by the State Committee of Science and National Institute of Education brought together representatives of different scientific and educational establishments, leading specialists of the sphere, lecturers, teachers and students.
Welcoming the participants of the fourth conference, ASPU Rector Ruben Mirzakhanyan stressed the importance of mathematics in science and education, noting that the Pedagogical University is guided by the principle of viewing mathematics is a primary discipline. “It is known that each specialist has his own teaching methods and approaches. Such conferences are an opportunity to discuss professional opinions and exchange them,” he said.
In his speech, Vanik Zakaryan, an academician of the RA National Academy of Sciences, emphasized the positive changes that the University implements annually on its way of becoming a major scientific and pedagogical smithy.
The academician emphasized the role of the present rector, considering it positive that any initiative in the field of education is held with the direct participation of university specialists.
In his report entitled “The Essence of Mathematics and Characteristics of Mathematics Education,” Deputy Minister of Education and Science Manuk Mkrtchyan touched upon several global issues which, he said, could become directions of a number of important studies and research, especially for the youth.
In the preface of his report, the deputy minister spoke about the educational system of the Soviet Union, stressing that even today, when speaking about the achievements in science and education, people draw parallels with that specific period.
Citing the example of the zero level of Natural Science at the beginning of the same period and the fact that Armenia became one of the leading countries in this area in the 50s and 60s, Mr. Mkrtchyan stressed the importance of its study and the opportunity of becoming a leader in the area once more. “The youth need to understand that it is unacceptable to apply scientific achievements of other countries: it means dooming oneself to permanent backwardness.”
Manuk Mkrtchyan also spoke about the nature of mathematics and theories of famous mathematicians about features of mathematics education, formation of mathematics as a separate branch, its use in the components of physics and theology, socialization of mathematical thinking and successes of people with mathematical education in different areas. “A new approach towards the content of mathematics education and promotion of student motivation in the study of the subject are a serious concern. When making mathematics an academic discipline we need to shape mathematical thinking [among children] rather than mathematical knowledge,” the Doctor of Pedagogy said in conclusion. Once again, he urged everyone to achieve success in the sphere with their own experience.
In the report entitled “Customized Education for Mathematics School Pupils Based on their Natural Gifts,” the visiting guests – Doctor of Pedagogy, Professor M. Rodinov and Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor T. Chernetskaya presented the results of research carried out on the subject in different schools, features, testing scheme and results, as well as opinions of participating educators.
In his report entitled “Mathematics and Aesthetics: From Pythagoras to Mandelbrot,” Doctor of Philosophy, Professor Voloshinov spoke about the Pythagorean theorem, his influence on mathematics and aesthetics, Renaissance period, proportionality as a universal principle of science and art, Synergetics as a new combining way of mathematics and aesthetics, fractus, etc.
Hamlet Mikaelyan, Doctor of Mathematics, Professor and Head of the ASPU Chair of Mathematics and Its Teaching Methods, spoke on the theme “Some Considerations in Formation Value System of Students.” “Considering the fact that the United States spends on each pupils $10 000 while Armenia $ 250, we can see what investments countries make to train future specialists,” the Professor said adding there is not clear statistics about the number of pupils and students who go to foreign countries, whereas education is organized by the state for its future.
Referring to the problems in mathematics education, the mathematician stressed that the way of solving problems is not providing knowledge- and mathematics-based education or teaching mathematics to pupils, but forming a value system through mathematics –past and present, material and spiritual, true and beautiful, national and universal.
The conference continued in two subsections: the participants discussed interactive methods of teaching mathematics, teacher’s creative activity in aesthetic education of students, formation of beauty in the learning process, selective programmes in continuing education, etc.
The results of the two-day republican conference will be summed up on Saturday, October 15.
