Investor Serhiy Tokarev on How to Push Math Education in Schools
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Even though mathematics is a crucial part of modern life and it affects pretty everything from technological innovations to daily tasks, its significance is often undervalued. Many associate it only with basic arithmetic taught in school. Serhiy Tokarev, a tech investor and a co-founder of the investment group Roosh, offers insights into improving math education in Ukraine, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach to teaching this subject.
According to Serhiy Tokarev, math is essential for all technological progress, from coding to space exploration. It is also integral to everyday activities, like finding a recipe online or managing personal finances. However, the way mathematics is currently taught in Ukrainian schools fails to capture students' interest or demonstrate its practical value. This disconnect leaves students seeing math as an abstract, isolated subject rather than an essential tool for problem-solving in real life.
Serhiy Tokarev recalls his own school days when math was far from his favorite subject. His personal experience came full circle when his son recently asked him how to build an unsinkable ship. Although the investor could remember the principles behind the problem, he struggled to explain the detailed calculations involved. This incident, according to him, reflects the common challenges many parents face in making math both understandable and engaging for their children.
According to Serhiy Tokarev, there are two significant disruptions that have severely impacted the quality of math education in Ukraine. First, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift to online learning in 2020, which proved less effective than traditional in-person education. The second, more damaging factor has been Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The war has caused countless disruptions, with students missing classes due to air raids, power outages, and displacement. These challenges, Tokarev believes, have compounded the already existing issues within the education system.
Based on his experience as a parent and advocate for educational reform, Serhiy Tokarev suggests several strategies to improve math education in Ukraine. A key step is making math more engaging and accessible by showing its real-world applications, helping students understand it as a tool for solving real problems, not just equations.
Tokarev also highlights the importance of experience sharing among educators. He points to the launch of Ukraine's first STEM ecosystem through the STEM is FEM project, which fosters teacher interaction, training, and mentorship. This platform aims to improve overall math instruction.
International collaboration is another essential part of Tokarev’s vision. He believes Ukraine can adopt educational practices from other countries, particularly through independent projects that complement state efforts.
Tokarev also calls for increased funding for education, emphasizing that better resources and training can improve math education even amid war-related challenges. Lastly, he stresses the need to elevate the status of teaching, suggesting recognition through awards and public discussions on teachers' contributions during crises.
Serhiy Tokarev believes mathematics is key to progress in fields like technology and economics. Improving math education will equip future generations to drive innovation. Collaboration between the government and businesses, he argues, is crucial for prioritizing education and fostering long-term benefits for the nation.
