The world renowned Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC), of the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada in association with the Institute for Career Studies (ICS), Lucknow is organising a series Workshops on Mathematics for Students and Teachers in Delhi, Dehradun and Kolkata from Feb 17 to Feb. 22, 2010. The three fold objectives of these workshops are (1) Kindling and promoting interest in Mathematics amongst students so that they consider Math problem solving as a “fun” exercise (2) Encouraging Math teachers to devise innovative ways of teaching Math thus inculcating an interest in the subject and (3) Creating awareness about Math related careers.
The Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) has the distinction of being Canada’s largest and most recognized outreach organization for promoting and creating activities and materials in Mathematics and Computer Science. In its 15 years of existence, CEMC has been involved in academic activities that include highly acclaimed contests, web resources, a large series of publications, workshops and seminars for students and teachers in elementary and secondary schools across Canada and around the globe.
It is the for the first time that CEMC is conducting workshops in India, facilitated by ICS, the Lucknow based Institute that pioneered Career Counselling in the country and is celebrating 2010 as its silver Jubilee year. ICS’ Founder-Director, Dr. Amrita Dass, a noted Educationist and Career Consultant says, “This is just the beginning, many more such Math Workshops conducted by CEMC will be held in coming months across India.” She adds, “It is a matter of pride for us that the workshops are being conducted by Mr. Ian VanderBurgh, the Director of CEMC, an acclaimed Mathematician who is accredited with the development of Mathematical content for contests which are written by over 200,000 students every year”.
The current series of workshops are being held at some of the premiere schools of India namely Mount St. Mary’s and DPS-RK Puram in Delhi, The Doon School and The Welham Girls School in Dehradun and Modern High School for Girls, the La Martiniere for Girls and Boys in Kolkata. These workshops are being attended by students and Math teachers from a large number of other leading schools in these cities. The first workshop was inaugurated at Mount St. Mary’s School, Delhi Cantt. by Mr. Bradwin Niblock, First Secretary, Science and Technology of the Canadian High Commission in India.
Encouraged by the overwhelming response and interest shown by the students and teachers to the workshops in Delhi and Dehradun, Mr. Ian VanderBurgh the Canadian expert said, “We have been truly impressed by the students and teachers that we have met with during our visit. They are keen to listen, to learn, and are unfailingly polite. Their mathematical skills are excellent and they are committed to working hard to achieve success in their courses. The Institute for Career Studies has demonstrated its commitment to helping students find pathways to success through education. We hope that together we can encourage students to think about mathematics as a gateway to an endless variety of exciting, challenging, and lucrative careers”.
In Kolkata, the students’ workshops were held at the La Martiniere for Boys and Girls while Modern High School for Girls hosted both the students’ as well as the teachers’ workshops. Chief Guest of the event, Mrs. Devi Kar, Principal – Modern High School For Girls gave away the certificates to the participating teachers.
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