14th Rabi-Us-Sani 1433 (8th March 2012)
[headline]by Hasnain Razzaq[/headline]
Mathematics is that capstone science that has played a significant part in the dawn of modern development. The correct understanding and application of the mathematical models has proven to be a significant tool in attaining excellence in processes, unmatched efficiency and authentically effective outcomes. Mathematics in every era of scientific, social and human development has enjoyed a premium position in the ambit of sciences. The reason of this supernormal privilege, of being the highly focused and practiced, is its overwhelming application, not only in daily life affairs but in the development of other related sciences.
The Mathematics Department of Hira Foundation School being fully aware of the afore-mentioned facts has always rendered extra ordinary efforts in making the classrooms, a source of skill sets enhancement, conceptual understanding and practical application of the mathematical concepts. The efforts of the Department and respected faculty members have led to engendering extraordinary interest of the students in the field of Mathematics. The Department has an adamant co-ordination system that not only promotes team work but also helps in resolution of the problems proactively. The support of Top Management, indeed, has a vital role in instilling the values of collaboration, creativity and novelty within the Mathematics Department.
Mental Mathematics Theme is one of the initiatives taken, by the Department, to enrich and enlighten the students with the ability to comprehend, solve and apply the solutions of various mathematical problems. After a detailed discussion among the faculty members, it was discussed that Math worksheets would be designed and provided to the students for practice. However, the decision of content for worksheets was the biggest challenge faced. This required valuable input, knowledge and vision. The efforts of Mathematics Coordinator Ms. Hira Noor Khan are worth-appreciating in this regard who was able enough to efficiently decide the contents of these worksheets for different standards (Classes) based on a number of factors i.e. education level and expertise of the students, etc. The second step that required attention was to develop and design attractive worksheets, strictly according to the approved contents, in order to enhance the participation, interest and motivation of the students.
The responsibility of designing worksheets was bestowed to the faculty members. The efforts of the faculty members were remarkable as they deftly managed to meet the expected standards of worksheets. Almost all worksheets followed a common pattern. Initially few easy questions were included to communicate the concept and the level of difficulty increased as the number of questions increased. Strategy is the idea present on a piece of paper or in the mind of the strategist until and unless it is implemented in its true spirit. Thus, strategy of Mental Mathematics Theme required an efficient and effective implementation. The faculty members advanced with phenomenal performance in this capacity. The concepts were discussed in easy and understandable language. However, all possible efforts were incurred to promote team work, coordination and collaboration with the students.
The implications of the Mental Mathematics Theme, with the blessings of Allah (S.W.T), have been extremely positive, fruitful and rewarding. The students have enjoyed attempting the worksheets and were eager and highly motivated to complete their worksheets prior to the submission time. Mr. Rehman Ullah a student of Grade V, during a scheduled class, was observed saying that:
Today! The time passed away very quickly. Worksheets are such fun.
The respected parents have also accredited the efforts of Mathematics Department in the recent Parent-Teacher Meeting. They have commended us for planning, crafting and implementing such an effective and beneficial Theme. This encouraging feedback has further strengthened the ambition of our Department to continue further with innovative activities like the Mental Mathematics Theme in the future as well, with the will of Allah (S.W.T).