Mathematics is not just numbers on a page; it’s a part of our daily lives that helps us make sense of the world around us with logic and precision. We use math from the beginning to the end of our days —whether we’re managing household chores or counting the change in our pockets. It is a fundamental skill that shapes a child’s cognitive development, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
For young learners, early-grade math is crucial as it lays the foundation for future success in the subject and real life. However, many students find math challenging due to its perceived complexity. Yet, teachers can play a pivotal role in breaking down these barriers by making math both accessible and enjoyable. Unfortunately, many teachers in rural areas have limited access to professional development that can help them learn these skills. To bridge this gap and enhance the teaching skills of educators, dZi supported an Early Grade Math Training for 16 primary grade educators from ten community schools across Aiselukharka, Kepilasgadhi, and Mahakulung Rural Municipalities.
The four-day training program sparked enthusiasm and hope among participants. Expert trainer Ram Chandra Paudel from the Center for Education and Human Resource Development led engaging and interactive sessions for the teachers. The teachers learned fresh, easy-to-understand math concepts that can help students perform well in the subject. Through hands-on activities and engaging learning materials, math transformed from a challenging class to nothing short of play.
Sarala Kulung, the youngest participant at 21 years old and a grade two teacher at Janasudhar Basic School in Mahakulung, expressed her excitement about being part of the training. She shared, "Previously, I used to teach my students based on traditional methods, but in these past four days, I have realized the importance of using new tools and techniques in Mathematics. I have also learned how to craft teaching materials that will surely help me conduct more effective and fruitful future classes.” Sarala is eager to implement the techniques she has acquired to positively impact her students and continue growing professionally.
Kedar Dahal, a 45-year math teacher at Tribhuwan Secondary School of Aiselukharka Rural Municipality, shared a similar sentiment: “Through this training, I discovered how to make learning enjoyable in the classroom through various activities to enhance the learning experience of children,” he said with a wide smile on his face, he thanked dZi for this initiative as he believes the program has strengthened his capacity to craft engaging teaching and learning tools.
Sanuka Rai, a dedicated 32-year math teacher at Tomane Basic School of Kepilasgadhi, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the inaugural training program she had the privilege to attend. She remarked, "This is my first experience attending any math training, it helped boost my confidence with new techniques." Her appreciation shows the significance of professional development opportunities like this Early Grade Math training in enhancing teaching skills and fostering a culture of continuous learning in the community.
By nurturing these educators, the Early Grade Math training envisions creating a safe learning environment in classrooms. This initiative not only empowers teachers but also equips them with the materials, techniques, and confidence needed to enhance their students’ understanding of math.
Trainer Paudel emphasized the importance of applying these learnings in the classrooms: "The data of Nepal shows that students appearing in SEE level (grade 10) fail in the maths subject the most. For me, the real success will be when all the teachers implement what I have trained them in the classroom.” For him, real success can be achieved when students learn to relate math to their daily lives. Additionally, he believes that the failure rate among students would drop if programs such as Early Grade Math Training were implemented in more schools.
Moving forward, dZi will monitor students' learning outcomes in math to ensure that teachers effectively apply these new methods. The goal is not only to build a strong foundation in mathematics but also to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, confidence, and academic success in children—the future leaders of our world.
