48-hour ‘mathematics’ marathon at IUE

Support came from Izmir for the ‘Mathematics Mobilization’ initiated by the Ministry of National Education with the aim of making mathematics lessons enjoyable by facilitating learning. Izmir University of Economics and the Provincial Directorate of National Education organized a two-day ‘Mathematics in My Profession Workshop’ and brought 140 students and 28 teachers from 14 high schools together on campus. The young people, who participated in the workshop, in which a series of talks consisting of 9 sessions with managers from various companies and academics were held, learned about the impact and importance of mathematics on different professions. Vice Minister of National Education, Prof. Dr. Petek Aşkar also visited the workshop and chatted with high school students and shared her experiences with them. Aşkar shared the enthusiasm of the young people by accompanying them in the math games that took place in teams.  

Experts and academics from different sectors such as banking, architecture, gastronomy, logistics management, psychology and communication introduced their professions by making presentations in the workshop hosted by Izmir University of Economics (IUE) on 2-3 December 2022. Sector representatives also explained in detail how they use mathematics in their line of business. After the presentations, mixed teams were formed from students from different schools.

GAMIFICATION in MATH

Students were given ‘gamified problems’ to see how mathematics is used in different professions. They were asked to solve these problems or come up with solutions. At the end of the workshop, Prof. Dr. Gözde Yazgı Tütüncü, IUE Head of Department of Mathematics, presented a plaque of appreciation to companies and academics participating in the event. The certificates of participation to 14 schools in the workshop were presented by Vice Minister of National Education, Prof. Dr. Petek Aşkar.

IT CAN ALSO BE APPLIED IN DIFFERENT CITIES

Stating that the workshop was very useful for young people, Prof. Dr. Petek Aşkar said, “It was a very useful activity in terms of showing students the relationship between mathematics and professions in a concrete way. It can be applied in different cities across the country by expanding this workshop model, and its sustainability can be ensured. I was very happy to meet high school students and share their excitement on the second day of the workshop. As the Ministry, our efforts to increase the competencies of young people in mathematics and science have had a positive effect lately. The rate of students with mathematics proficiency is increasing rapidly. Many professions include mathematics. Young people should be able to adapt mathematics to their daily life skills. I think this workshop was very effective in raising awareness on this issue.”

IT IS DETERMINANT IN THE WORKFORCE

IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar said, “All the research on the workforce around the world show that the preference of people, who use different arithmetic in their profession and have the ability to collect and analyze data, is increasing day by day. Technology and digitalization are at the center of our lives. Occupational definitions are also constantly changing. The unchanging element is the importance of mathematics and the need for mathematics. We use mathematics in many areas from communication to business, from the concept of metaverse to blockchain. Any work that will increase the interest of students in mathematics, and encourage them is very valuable. We will continue to meet with students by producing new projects in the coming period.”

WE CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT PROJECTS

Stating that they continue to implement the strategies and projects they have determined as the directorate in the field of mathematics education, Medet Ekşi, Izmir Provincial Director of National Education, said, “As Izmir Provincial Directorate of National Education, we are involved with all our means in the ‘Mathematics Mobilization’ initiated by the Ministry, and we are working hard to improve the conditions of all school types. We develop ways and methods that will enable students to learn mathematics permanently and lovingly. The ‘Mathematics in My Profession Workshop’, which we organized to prepare a good future for students, was a very good experience for them. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the management and staff of Izmir University of Economics for their support.”