After controversy and concern about low Mathematics levels of students, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture has enlisted the help of an expert from the Hokkaido University of Education.  This week, Mr. Akira Honda, from Japan is doing workshops for teachers in different Primary Schools around Samoa.

On Monday, it was Apia Primary School’s turn to host his workshop.  And he went back to Apia Primary to observe a presentation by Mr. Fai Falefata from Apia Primary and to give advice on how to improve the teacher’s skills in solving problems in mathematics.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Mr. Honda said that it has been an honour to work with the teachers of Samoa and help them improve their skills and knowledge on problem solving in mathematics.

“This is not my first time in Samoa and I love sharing my experience and knowledge with the teachers and students of Samoa,” said Mr. Honda. “The teachers and students here work really hard and I really admire that.”

Mr. Honda highlighted how vital it is to start teaching proper maths at primary level.

He believes that Samoan teachers are doing an excellent job in teaching the students on how to solve problems in maths. However, he still believes that by working harder, the students would understand the subject better.

“I was very impressed with the presentation today,” he said. “The teacher who did the presentation did a really good job and I know that not all teachers are like him but I would like all teachers to be like him.

“I hope to visit all the schools here in Samoa and spread this great message while I am here.”

The principal of the school, Mr. Leiataualesa Lino Tagiilima, said they were happy and grateful to have Mr. Honda at their school.

“We had a very fruitful workshop on Monday, and we learnt a lot from Mr. Honda,” he said.

“With the curriculum now focused more on the students and not on the teachers like it used to be, having a maths expert here to help our teachers had been very useful for us. The extra knowledge he provided will help us improve on our job and can ensure that our children will not have any more problems with solving problems in mathematics in the future.”