An Analysis of the Profiles of Mathematics Teachers of Secondary Schools in Mizoram

Abstract : Mathematics education is an important and far-ranging subject of study and truly deserves its place in formal education from the elementary level. Since its importance is growing in every year, it becomes imperative to have knowledge in this subject. The objective of this study was to analyse the profiles of mathematics teachers of secondary schools in Mizoram. For this, profiles of all government and private secondary school mathematics teachers were collected. The profiles relating to their ages, gender, educational qualifications, teaching experience and professional status were especially selected. The study revealed that male teachers had a higher percentage and trained teachers also were at a higher percentage in secondary schools of Mizoram. Besides this, lower age group had lesser percentage and more junior mathematics teachers are found in secondary schools. Not only these, unqualified mathematics teachers are still presence in secondary schools of Mizoram.

Keywords: Mathematics, Teachers, Profiles, Secondary Schools.

Introduction
Mathematics subject is a compulsory subject till secondary level. In fact, it is the backbone of all science and technical educations. In higher secondary level, more students opt for Arts and other fields than mathematics subject. If less students continue to opt for science subject, the state would have less number of science students or technical students. But when there is no proper balance between science and others subject, the state will not have enough human resources in science and we would need to employ from other states. This will ultimately result in more number of unemployed citizens and citizens whose skills are not required in our state.

Rationale of the study
Mizoram is one of the most advanced states in India in the field of education. In spite of low population in the state, education is evenly spread all over the districts. Maybe because of this, the state has top rank in literacy rate among other states in India. Because of this, it is expected that it will also boast of a qualified group of teachers for each appropriate subject. Moreover, there is also hope that there will not be disparity in gender. With these in mind and a genuine desire to understand the true status of teaching of mathematics, the research to reveal the profile of secondary level mathematics teachers was undertaken.

Objective of the study
To study the profile of mathematics teachers at secondary level in Mizoram.

Population
The population of the study consisted of all secondary schools in Mizoram.

Sample
The sample comprised of 677 mathematics teachers, 332 government and 345 private secondary schools.

Tools for data collection
Information schedule for teachers for preparing their profile. The data related to age, gender, educational qualifications, professional skills and teaching experience.

Statistical treatment of data
For analysis of the collected data, descriptive statistics like percentage was used.

Analysis of data and results
The data collected for all teachers was arranged so as to have a clear idea of the status of mathematics teachers at the secondary level in Mizoram. These arranged data was then analysed as follows:

(i) The overall number and percentage of mathematics teachers in terms of gender in Mizoram is as shown in Table-1.

Table No.1
Total number of mathematics teachers in terms of Gender

As shown by Table-1, 88.92% of the teachers are male and only 11.08% are female in secondary schools of Mizoram. It clearly shows that male mathematics teachers occupy a higher percentage than female mathematics teachers in secondary level.

(ii) Total number of mathematics teachers according to their professional status.

Table No.2
Trained and Untrained Mathematics Teachers

As shown by Table-5, there are 61.89% trained mathematics teachers in secondary schools while there are still 38.11% untrained mathematics teachers in secondary schools. It was found out that trained mathematics teachers had a higher percentage than untrained mathematics teachers at secondary level in Mizoram. But the percentage of untrained teachers is still much higher than expected.

(iii) Total number of mathematics teachers according to their age group.

Table No.3
Total number of mathematics teachers according to their Age Group

As written in table-3, the Investigator classified mathematics teachers according to their age group in secondary schools of Mizoram. Mathematics teachers in secondary schools within the lower age group occupy the lesser percentage. Meanwhile, mathematics teachers in secondary schools have higher percentage in the upper age group. This means that in a short while, there will be vacancy which shall have to be filled up by qualified teachers, thus necessitating a sufficient supply of trained graduates.

(iv) Total number of mathematics teachers at secondary school according to their teaching experience

Table No.4
Mathematics Teachers according to their Teaching Experience

As we can see in table-4, it is clear that secondary level has more junior mathematics teachers who have less than 10 years of experience in the teaching field. Mathematics subject needs teachers who have good experience and professional in their job. But the presence of teachers with lesser experience is also a good indicator that the state shall have a good supply of teachers in the years to come, provided teachers in this group are given the right kind of in service professional training and orientation.

(v) Total number of mathematics teachers according to their Educational Qualification

Table No. 5
Total number of mathematics teachers according to their Educational Qualification

As shown by table-5, it is clear that B.Sc degree holders have the highest percentage in secondary schools in Mizoram. According to National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE) norms, mathematics teachers in secondary schools should have B.Sc, B.Com, B.E, B.Tech and BEEE degrees; besides, they should also be trained teachers. But this table shows that unqualified mathematics teachers are still teaching in secondary schools in Mizoram.

Discussion
As would be expected in the state of Mizoram, the condition of mathematics teachers is not so poor as shown by the results. This shows that Mizoram is not in a very bad shape when it comes to mathematics education. However, there are certain causes of concern. One main concern is that teaching of mathematics in Mizoram is dominated by male teachers. Another cause for concern is the presence of unqualified teachers.

Conclusion
At secondary schools stages many students have a problem in mathematics subject. Yet mathematics is a compulsory subject at secondary level and it is the backbone of all science and technical subject. Therefore, the situation calls for a special effort on the part of the government as well as all stakeholders of education to take necessary measures to improve mathematics teaching. One very important step in this direction would be to make immediate arrangement for the professional improvement of teachers. Another important positive check would be to make incentives so as to motivate female students to opt for this subject. Better methods of imparting this subject may also need to be incorporated. If serious efforts are given for this subject, there is a chance for the improvement of mathematics education for teachers and students. This will not just be major improvement for the education of secondary students of Mizoram but will also elevate the future of our youth at a much higher place for the world of work and competition.

Works Cited :

• Anastosios, et al. “A Typology of Mathematics Teachers’ Beliefs about Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Instructional Practices.” Mathematics Education Research Journal. 2005. Vol.17.No. 2, 69-90.
• Zohmingliani, L (2016). Science Education in North East India- A study of Mizoram. Mittal Publications.
• The role of mathematics in the overall curriculum/International. Retrieved from: https://www.mathunion.org.