Mathematics is one of the most important solution tools in many fields from problems encountered in daily life to economy and technology. However, regarding mathematics as an “abstract science” with a wrong perception may cause the importance of mathematics in our lives to remain unnoticed. The reason for the decision to celebrate 14 March as the “World Mathematics Day” at the 40th General Conference of UNESCO held in Paris, the capital of France, on November 26, 2019, is precisely aiming to fight against this misconception. March 14, Mathematics Day, was accepted with the proposal of the International Mathematical Union (IMU), which applied to UNESCO in order to “adopt the beauty and importance of mathematics and its fundamental role in everyone’s life”.

Near East University Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Elementary Mathematics Teaching, Lecturer Prof. Dr. Murat Tezer, drawing attention to the importance of correct understanding of mathematics for children to be successful not only in their school life but also socially, said “Mathematics is the most important medicine in solving life problems”.

Mathematics education programs should be revised
Stating that today’s mathematics education is more important for academic success and obtaining a good profession, Prof. Dr. Tezer reminded that students with high knowledge of mathematics are successful not only by solving the problems they encounter in their education life, but also in social life.

Stating that the mathematics education program in primary and secondary education should be updated according to today’s needs in terms of target, content, education-teaching process and assessment and evaluation, Prof. Dr. Tezer said, “The need to increase the output of mathematics education programs at the end of high school is increasing day by day.” Stating that the developed countries have already updated their mathematics programs, Prof. Dr. Tezer said “Educational programs in developed countries have been created by blending science, technology, mathematics and engineering. This model provides convenience to those working in modular productions in the industry. As the TRNC, we need to review mathematics education by taking into account new education and training methods. Mathematical modeling also has an important place in solving problems that can be encountered in daily life. The studies in which the Near East University analyzed the COVID-19 process with mathematical modeling methods also demonstrated this well.”