Role of mathematics teachers association

Role of mathematics teachers association for professional Development.

1. Role of Mathematics Teacher’s Association Dr. G. Jaganmohana Rao Faculty of Education MITE, Kohima

2. Introduction: As teaching practitioners, mathematics teachers need to keep abreast of all such developments pertinent to their learners. Hence, the need for developing and promoting professional development among mathematics teachers arises. A professional organization (also referred to as a professional body), is usually a nonprofit organization which seeks to further a particular profession, the interests of individuals engaged in that profession and the public interest. In the field of education, there are numerous professional organizations that are actively involved in facilitating better teaching- learning conditions and learners achievement.

3. These professional organizations offer an excess of benefits such as- exclusive online resources, networking opportunities, free or discounted publications, chance to update their knowledge of business and trade basics or acquire new skills through seminars, workshops, conferences and online courses, develop mentoring relationships with more experienced teachers etc. The Association of Mathematics Teachers of India (AMTI) is one such organization in India that aims to assist teachers of mathematics at all levels in improving their expertise and professional skills for making mathematics interesting and enjoyable and disseminates new trends in Mathematics Education.

4. Aims of Mathematics Teachers Association: The Mathematics Teachers Association aims to support the teaching and learning of mathematics by encouraging: Increased understanding and enjoyment of mathematics I ncreased understanding of how people learn mathematics T he sharing and evaluation, of teaching and learning strategies and practices P romoting the exploration of new ideas and possibilities I nitiating and contributing to discussion of and developments in mathematics education at all levels

5. Objectives of Mathematics Teachers Association: The objectives of MTA will be to work towards improving the teaching and learning of mathematics and related areas at all levels – both inside and outside the formal educational system, in the whole of India. Its activities will include: Supporting the development and adoption of learning materials and teaching strategies that will enable learners to enjoy and discover mathematics. Holding conferences, seminars, workshops, reorientation programmes etc. aimed at teachers. Supporting the implementation of Olympiad programmes in the country through conducting exams, and holding training camps for students and teachers. Enhancing public knowledge of and interest in mathematics and related areas through a variety of media platforms. Publishing periodicals devoted to mathematics teaching and learning, and to sharing information and professional knowledge relevant to mathematics teachers. Coordinating with other national and international bodies having similar objectives.

6. Conclusion: Associations of mathematicians, mathematics teachers and mathematics education researchers around the world share a common aim of promoting and improving research and practice in mathematics education. Associations are very important in overcoming the ‘isolation’ of teachers. Day-to-day work in school is focused on everyday matters, whereas associations have the capacity to address the professional isolation of teachers by providing information and helping teachers to feel and be professionally connected with others. Teacher associations need to plan a program of activities in between annual events (typically an annual conference). Teachers need continuing support (either as individuals, or in groups at the school level) to implement what they have found out about and become encouraged to try new approaches.

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