Goniter Monche: Learning math effectively

[Annita Tahsin]

The book, Goniter Monche is written by three former medalists of International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO). It primarily discusses how mathematics can be taught in a fun way, and explains harder concepts through pictorial representations and puzzles. It also encourages readers to focus on one problem at a time and share their ideas to improve understanding. "We have tried to highlight the core message of IMO. Most students think that IMO is for people who love math, but it is actually a festival," shares Saifur Rahman Tashki, one of the authors of the book.


Ahsan Al Mahir Lazim, bronze medalist at IMO 2019. Photo: Courtesy
The first chapter, Char Bindu Dui Durotto, presents one easy problem which is just the origin of another major problem. "The main purpose of this chapter is to show how to spend hours on a problem, according to the authors.  Chapter 2, 'Ekti Udvhot Golpo', addresses logic puzzles. The third chapter, Shombhabona, discusses the concept of probabilities in great detail. Topics like independent events and exclusions are explained in this chapter, along with the conditional probabilities and the role of geometry in probabilities.

The fourth chapter, Alice and Bob revolves around two friends who are playing a combinatorial game. The next chapter, Chobi Jokhon Kotha Bole, presents mathematical proofs through pictures, while the sixth chapter, Ekti 'Dhara' Bahik Golpo explain the concepts of hierarchy and genre. In addition, parallel and multiplication curves, recursive sequences and telescoping are also talked about in the book.

The Chittagong Math Circle was an important chapter in my life. I discovered the joy of teaching mathematics during that," shares Zawad Ahmed Chowdhury, gold medalist at IMO 2018. He further said that the book is written to help students prepare for IMO. The content is similar to the topics taught in the math camps. Zawad is currently studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA.

Ahsan Al Mahir Lazim, bronze medalist at IMO 2019, added, "IMO has created a culture of learning, enjoying and sharing mathematics with everyone."


Saifur Rahman Tashki. Photo: Courtesy
Over the years, mathematics-based festivals have seen enthusiastic participation from students.  "The best way to understand the joy of mathematics is through mathematics clubs at different instituitions," shares Zawad. The last chapter of their book has ideas and suggestions for running math clubs.

The book, published by Adarsha Publications, and is priced at BDT 425.  It is currently available at  421-424 at the Ekushey Boi Mela.

Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/star-youth/news/goniter-monche-learning-math-effectively-1874179