DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ณ Tunisia /Culture & Society

Education: Why Are Tunisian Students No Longer Attracted to Mathematics?

From La Presse · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Interest in mathematics studies is declining among Tunisian students, despite high success rates.
  • The issue has persisted for years, with calls for urgent educational reforms.
  • Concerns exist about the impact on future university specializations and professional paths.

The declining interest in mathematics among Tunisian students is a worrying trend that demands immediate attention. As highlighted by Ridha Zahrouni, president of the Parents and Students Association, this isn't a new problem but one that has been festering for years, with successive education ministries failing to implement structural solutions.

the mathematics track has not benefited from the necessary attention, even though it occupies an essential place in many university specializations and professional training paths, in addition to its importance for future jobs.

โ€” Ridha ZahrouniZahrouni emphasizes the critical importance of mathematics for future academic and professional opportunities.

Mathematics is not merely an academic subject; it is the bedrock of logical thinking and a crucial gateway to numerous university programs and future careers. The fact that this vital discipline has not received the necessary focus is a serious oversight. The "pedagogical confusion" mentioned, particularly the shift from Arabic to French in secondary education, likely contributes to students' disengagement and difficulty with the subject.

victim of educational choices

โ€” Ridha ZahrouniZahrouni criticizes past educational policies for contributing to the decline in mathematics interest.

From our perspective in Tunisia, this issue goes beyond simple statistics. It speaks to the core of our educational system's ability to prepare our youth for the future. The automatic promotion policies and the weakening of foundational skills in primary education, as suggested by Zahrouni, are critical factors that need addressing. We must move beyond acknowledging the problem and implement concrete solutions to ensure that mathematics remains an attractive and accessible field for all Tunisian students, fostering the critical thinking skills essential for national development.

pedagogical confusion

โ€” Ridha ZahrouniZahrouni points to inconsistencies in teaching methods, such as the language of instruction, as a cause for concern.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Presse in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.