Nearly 1/2 of West African students fail the mathematics portion of the WASSCE, and exam required to go on to college. An Ashesi student develops a solution by creating an engaging tool to help students master math concepts and exceed on their exams.

Ashesi student develops “Learn Math Yourself”

Written by Jackson: “While carrying out research for my senior project, I was appalled that nearly 1/2 of high school students fail the mathematics portion of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) each year. Students who fail the WASSCE cannot legally attend college in Ghana. I believe everyone can understand the basics of math, and that everyone should have the educational tools available to pass the WASSCE and go on to college. I wanted to help.

Learn Math Yourself addresses this issue by incorporating design and technology to teach and help Ghanaian students study math topics covered in the WASSCE exam. By using content from Khan Academy, a free internet-based education tool designed to help students all around the world, and collecting lessons that teach WASSCE test content, Learn Math Yourself prepares students for test day in an engaging and comprehensive way. Students learn to think critically and begin to understand the logic behind mathematical concepts, hopefully leading to higher scores.

I tested the application at several secondary schools and incorporated feedback to improve the program. Students were pretty ecstatic about the application and were excited to share Learn Math Yourself with their friends. The teachers I worked with see the application as a useful resource beyond the classroom, and as a solid program to test and improve student skills in particular math subtopics.

I can relate to the issues students go through when preparing for their exams. Undertaking this project did not feel like work, rather I saw it as my social responsibility. Ashesi instills in every student the need to work for change in their community. Ashesi has taught me effective problem-solving skills, given me the initiative to lead, and instilled in me the belief that my work can contribute to a better future for Africa.