Dr. Vesife HATISARU at the Faculty of Education Department of Mathematics and Science Education and Dr. Engin ÖZKAN at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Department of Mathematics gave a TEDU 400 seminar on why we learn mathematics.
In the seminar, Dr. Hatısaru indicated that mathematics has been considered as one of the basic skills together with literacy, science-technology, and basic skills play critical role in the well being of society and individuals. Indeed, these skills may be correlated with individuals’ life standard. International studies in education, such as PIAAC, show that individuals whose basic skill levels are high earn much. They likewise are better in factors including self-confidence, health, civil engagement, and volunteering. On the other hand, results of international studies including TIMSS, PISA, and PIAAC show, in our country, mathematics skills of elementary students, 15-years old students, and also adults seem to be limited. Dr. Hatısaru underlined that then, as individuals we should consider education in general and mathematics in particular as one of the backbones of the well being of us and our society as well and should be motivated with right questions.
In the seminar, Dr. Özkan indicated that mathematics build up of needs of society and play an important role in the development of society. According to Dr. Özkan, the question “Why we learn mathematics?” does not an appropriate question, and indeed it is not the question of individuals. On the other hand, the question “Why I need mathematics?” is depend on the competency and proficiency of individuals. Because mathematics is a tool, and this tool might turn into production under one’s own power who has different competencies.