Speakers at a roundtable yesterday emphasised revising the school syllabus for overcoming the fear of mathematics among the students.

The syllabuses from classes one to ten should be designed in a way that students refrain horn memorising formula and do math playfully, pointed out the experts.

They also underscored the necessity of quality educational institutions and teachers to improve the standard of education.

Dutch-Bangla Bank-Prothom Alo Mathematical Festival and Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad Committee jointly organised the roundtable tided “Development of Mathematical Education in School Level and Our Duty” at the Prothom Alo office.

Addressing the meeting as chief guest Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid observed that good teachers could play vital role in improving standard of education.

“Many teachers like to offer quality tuition privately instead of classroom. They also neither prepare question papers nor examine answer sheets just to spare time for private tuition as it promises them more profit," added the minister.

Nahid also expressed grave concern over the indifference of students to studying science. Business studies is comparatively easier and promises better job opportunities, which discourage students to study science, he said adding that the government is going to observe Science Week to encourage the students.

“Private tuition and coaching system diminish self-confidence of students. We need good textbooks which the students will read with pleasure to reduce dependency on private tuition and coaching,” said Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, vice-president of Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad Committee and also a noted writer.

Proper curriculum and question papers are necessary to make students

refrain from memorising mathematical equation or formula. This would certainly motivate them to do well in the exam, said Mohammad Kaykobad, professor of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Buet.

“We should arrange more and more inspirational mathematical contests to encourage students to take part and overcome fear of mathematics”, he added.

Mentioning that many teachers do not know how to give lesson properly, teacher of mathematics of Dhaka Teachers' College Razia Begum said teachers should be inspired and given proper training to make them fit for proper teaching in the classroom.

Joint Editor of the daily Prothom Alo Abdul Kaiyum moderated the roundtable. Managing Director of Dutch-Bangla Bank Yasin Ali, Professor of Buet Abdul Hakim, coach of Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad Team Mahbub Majumdar also addressed, among others.