The Role and Importance of Mathematics
Mathematics
has been defined by different authors in various ways but it is generally
accepted as the science of numbers, shapes, symbols and the link between them.
Mathematics is the bedrock of technology. It is “a basic scientific tool in
realizing the nation’s scientific and technological aspiration” (Ezeugo and
Agowah, 2000). It plays an indispensable role in national development.
Mathematics is indispensable because it has substantial use in all other human
activities. It provides simple knowledge and skills needed by an individual in
dealing with the problems of everyday life.
Okagu
(1984) declares in the paper he presented in the inaugural symposium of science
for self-reliance, that mathematics is the language of science. This indicates
that a person cannot study any other science subject except that person is
skilled in Mathematics. On the other hand, it had been proved that technology
is firmly established on the threshold of sound mathematics background.
According
to Fakuade (1915) mathematics is a unique science with its branches
interrelated to each other, so that contribution of each branch is utilized to
the advantages of the other with reference to the above statement, it should be
made known to all students that no one can study science without mathematics.
Mathematics is the key to most of all the courses in the science. Without
theoretical and practical applications of mathematics, science and possibly
medicine could hardly exist.
Doherty
(1985) supports this claim by saying “mathematics apart from being an
intellectually stimulating discipline is a cornerstone in nearly every field in
education”. It is no wonder therefore that mathematics to all still give much
concern in the curriculum development of this country before and after
independence. As important as the subject, mathematics is to all, it has become
obvious that problems of students in gaining admission into higher institutions
and studying a course of their desire is the inability to pass mathematics
which happen to be one of the core subjects.
In
the report of Prof. Adrian Smith’s “Inquiry into Post 14 Mathematics Education”
(2003). Mathematics is important in so many ways which include:
i. Mathematics for its own sake
ii. Mathematics for the knowledge economy
iii.Mathematics for science, technology and
engineering
iv. Mathematics for the workplace
v. Mathematics for the citizens etc.
No comments:
Post a Comment