UEW Celebrates International Day of Mathematics with Focus on Arts and Creativity
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) marked the 2025 International Day of Mathematics with a grand celebration, highlighting the intersection of mathematics, arts, and creativity.
The event, organised by the Department of Mathematics Education in collaboration with the Mentoring the Next Generation initiative, brought together academics, students, and mathematics enthusiasts to explore the beauty of mathematics beyond numbers and equations.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Sylvester Ali Frimpong, Acting Head of the Department of Mathematics Education, emphasised the fundamental role of mathematics in STEM education. He noted that mathematics is not merely about numbers and operations but is deeply rooted in quality, structure, space, and change.
Dr. Frimpong traced the significance of the date, 14th March (3.14), linking it to the mathematical constant Pi and its relevance to the global celebration of mathematics. He further highlighted mathematics as the backbone of science and technology, stating, "If mathematics collapses, the entire STEM field collapses."
Dr. Gloria Armah, Project Lead for Mentoring the Next Generation, spoke passionately about changing the perception of mathematics among students. She acknowledged that many learners view mathematics as rigid and difficult, deterring them from fully exploring its potential. She urged stakeholders to make mathematics more inclusive, engaging, and accessible to all, particularly for young girls. "Mathematics is not only about precision; it is also about exploration, artistic expression, and problem-solving," she stated.
Dr. Gloria Armah elaborated on previous themes of the International Day of Mathematics, including "Mathematics for Everyone" (2023) and "Playing with Mathematics" (2024), which focused on making mathematics more interactive and enjoyable.
Prof. Damian Kofi Mereku, Chairman of the event, stressed the need to deepen the understanding of mathematical concepts from an early stage. He shared an amusing yet insightful experience with students who had difficulty recognising Pi beyond pie charts. "We are here to learn about Pi, not just the kind you eat, but its mathematical significance," he remarked.
Prof. Mereku highlighted the misconception that Pi is either 22/7 or 3.14 when, in reality, it is an irrational number with infinite decimal places. He called on mathematics educators to find innovative ways to make abstract concepts more relatable to students.
Guest speaker Prof. Peter Akayuure also addressed the gathering, underscoring the essential contributions of various faculty members in advancing mathematics education. He introduced key figures in the department and elaborated on the different branches of mathematics, including pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and mathematics education. He encouraged students to consider mathematics beyond the classroom and recognise its presence in art, music, and architecture.
"Mathematics is not just about formulas; it is about discovering patterns, solving problems, and unleashing creativity," he said.
Mr. Ahmed Kobina Amihere, a resource person, advocated for a fundamental transformation in the teaching and learning of mathematics, highlighting the importance of a hands-on and creative approach. This methodology aims to enhance student engagement and make the subject more applicable to real-world contexts. He showcased an extensive collection of mathematical learning resources, stressing the need for experiential learning.
One of the key highlights of his presentation was the integration of everyday objects into mathematical thinking. Using a simple die, he demonstrated pattern recognition and logical reasoning. He explained the fundamental principle behind dice: the sum of opposite faces always equals seven, illustrating the importance of understanding numerical relationships through tangible tools.
Mr. Amihere further explored the connection between mathematics and the arts, particularly music and dance. He demonstrated how drum sizes influence pitch, introducing the concept of inverse proportion, where smaller drums produce higher-pitched sounds while larger drums create deeper tones. Additionally, he highlighted how dancers' movements illustrate key geometric concepts such as translation and angles.
The event featured interactive discussions and demonstrations on how mathematics influences artistic expression, from the Golden Ratio in design to fractal patterns in nature. Students and educators were encouraged to see mathematics as an evolving and dynamic subject that bridges logic with imagination.
As UEW continues to champion excellence in mathematics education, this year’s celebration reinforced the university’s commitment to fostering a deeper appreciation for mathematics and its vast applications. The event concluded with an open invitation for students to engage with mathematics creatively and use it as a tool for innovation and transformation.
