Global Dynamics of Teaching and Learning Mathematics During the Period of Coronavirus Pandemic: Some Reflections from Nigeria

Abstract

The paper begins by bringing to the fore the universality of the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant consequences in all human indices of development health, education, aviation, infrastructure, tourism etc. across every continent, with varying degree of severity. The paper focuses on education sub-index – with a particular reference to Mathematics and how some aspects of Mathematics teaching have been deployed to provide an alternative solution to the dissemination of Mathematics, as well as other forms of knowledge. Thus, in education, teaching and learning Mathematics form the central thrust of knowledge transmission and acquisition in view of its bearing to every field of human endeavour. Therefore, the paper examines various stakeholders critical to the knowledge acquisition and dissemination, by arguing in respect of each stakeholder involved and how each of them is affected by the pandemic. The paper further argues that there is change in the conversation relating to teaching and learning vis-à-vis shift in or complete departure from what the system inherits from inception by ushering-in other teaching and learning possibilities such as the use of video-conferencing gadgets and software(s) like Zoom, Moodle, Skype etc. and even broadcast stations like television and radio. In the end, the paper suggests amongst other things, the need for overhauling the entire education system to allow for the inclusion of digital teaching and learning platforms via electronic means so as to prepare future generations against some potential future pandemics. Other suggestions include the introduction of distance learning as well as Open Educational Resources (OERs) and/or mobile software applications so as to reach out to students remotely since the pandemic had compelled everybody to stay at home. This, the paper argues, cannot be achieved without reviewing the current Mathematics curriculum which had not envisaged, nor had it taken care of this type of problem.