The Tribune

MORE than 30 students participated in the 10th Primary Mathematics Students’ Workshop.

The co-ordinator of the workshop was Dr Joan Rolle, education officer for primary mathematics. The presenters were LeAnna Deveaux-Miller and Felicity Civil.

Under the theme, “Let the Sun Shine on Mental Math Essentials,” the Primary Curriculum Section of the Department of Education hosted the workshop at the Learning Resources Section.

The sixth grade students who participated came from 20 public schools and one private school. They were selected based on their above average ability in mathematics.

Dr Joan Rolle explained that the objective of the workshop was to help students recognise that math can be fun as they gain confidence in their ability to answer impromptu questions, become better listeners and thinkers through participation in mental math and develop faster and more efficient calculation skills.

She added that logical thinking and socialisation skills would also be enhanced through participation in the workshop. Students engaged in peer tutoring or coaching and co-operative group learning.

Dr Rolle was pleased to note that every child received a certificate of attendance at the workshop. They received tokens for each correct answer given.

This year it was paper clips, which were redeemable for prizes sponsored by Smart Kids Bahamas.

The three top winners were: Isaac Chout of Mabel Walker Primary School, Kai Duncombe of CW Sawyer Primary School and Matthew Hibbert of Gerald Cash Primary School.

In addition to New Providence, the workshop has also been held in Andros, Eleuthera, Abaco and Exuma.

On those islands, grade four and five students attended the workshop along with sixth graders.