How a mathematics competition can develop future university students

As a cornerstone discipline, mathematics has always fostered critical thinking, analytical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, which are essential not only in academia but in nearly every professional field. 

We’ve seen this first-hand in the success of the second Moroccan Tournament of Young Mathematicians (MTYM), held at our university over four days last December in collaboration with the MATH&Maroc Association.

The annual initiative is designed to challenge high school students with complex mathematical problems, encouraging their collaboration and developing vital skills for future success. 

Through this initiative, and others like it, mathematics educators worldwide can draw valuable lessons on how to engage young people and prepare them for a rapidly evolving world.

Developing a vision for the future

We are committed to expanding opportunities for young people to engage with mathematics. Building on the success of the MTYM, we plan to organise more of these types of events to foster critical thinking and creativity. 

Our goal is to collaborate with schools across Morocco, promote maths-related extracurricular activities and ensure inclusive participation, particularly for under-represented groups such as girls and students from rural areas.

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We’ve already begun this process by establishing maths clubs and through organising local and regional events to encourage friendly maths competition and collaboration among school and university students. 

This includes running hands-on workshops involving interactive and practical applications, such as maths-based games, coding workshops and projects that link maths challenges with real life.

In addition to the Moroccan Tournament of Young Mathematicians, we also host an annual robotics competition, which combines maths, technology and creativity. All these initiatives help provide students with an exciting opportunity to apply their maths skills in a collaborative and competitive setting.

By inspiring a passion for mathematics, we aim to prepare students not only for academic success but for meaningful contributions to society. 

Theory and real-world gaps

Many students struggle with conceptual understanding, finding it difficult to connect mathematical principles to practical scenarios. This disconnect often leads to youth disengagement and a lack of confidence in their abilities.

Additionally, students face the challenge of learning perseverance and resilience. Mathematics often involves trial and error, as well as demanding persistence through setbacks – a critical skill that events like MTYM encourage and cultivate. 

Collaboration is another hurdle – while maths is often perceived as an individual pursuit, many real-world problems require teamwork and the synthesis of diverse perspectives. Students are forced to communicate complex ideas clearly, and work in groups towards common goals.

Access to resources, mentorship and opportunities for hands-on problem-solving become essential, and competitions provide just such a platform for students to engage actively, rather than passively absorbing information. 

Preparing students for university and the workforce

Mathematics competitions can play a crucial role in bridging the gap between school education and the demands of university and the workforce. 

By working collaboratively on research problems over an extended period, students develop not only their mathematical abilities but their soft skills – teamwork, communication and adaptability.

The MTYM, for example, challenges students to think beyond textbook exercises. Participants spend three months working on research problems before presenting and defending their findings at the competition. 

This process mirrors the intellectual rigour encountered in higher education, where open-ended questions often require innovative solutions. It also sets them up for professional analytical thinking, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

A changing education landscape

The field of mathematics education is undergoing significant transformation, driven in part by advancements in AI and technology. 

AI-powered tools are making it possible to personalise learning experiences, offering students immediate feedback and tailored exercises. More worryingly, students can simply get AI to do the hard work for them if they so choose.

The challenge for educators is to focus more on cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which cannot be automated. Furthermore, demand for specialisations in applied mathematics, data science and machine learning is growing. As technology reshapes industries, universities must adapt their curricula to prepare students for these emerging fields. 

Integrating AI into education requires careful planning to ensure that technology enhances, rather than replaces, the human element of teaching. Educators need to strike a balance between leveraging AI tools and fostering the collaborative, creative aspects of mathematics that competitions so effectively promote.

Lessons for educators

The success of the MTYM offers valuable insights for educators looking to embed mathematics more effectively into their curricula. Key takeaways include:

1. Connect mathematics to real-world applications: Students are more likely to engage when they see the relevance of mathematics to real-world problems. Incorporate examples from fields such as engineering, economics and environmental science to demonstrate this.
2. Promote active learning: Encourage students to participate in group projects, workshops and competitions that require hands-on problem-solving. Active learning fosters better collaboration and helps develop critical thinking skills.
3. Leverage technology: Use AI-powered tools to personalise learning experiences and provide immediate feedback. This helps identify areas where students need additional support and addresses gaps in understanding more effectively.
4. Foster a growth mindset: Emphasise the importance of persistence and resilience. Create an environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes and learning from them. Competitions are an excellent example because they require students to grapple with challenging problems and adapt their strategies accordingly.
5. Encourage interdisciplinary learning: Mathematics does not exist in isolation. Highlight connections between maths and other disciplines, such as computer science, biology and the liberal arts. For example, the MTYM incorporates debates and discussions that also enhance students’ communication skills and ethical reasoning.

It is clear mathematics will continue to play a central role in shaping society. By fostering a love for the subject and equipping students with the tools they need to excel, we can ensure that the next generation of mathematicians is ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Rabie Zine is associate professor of mathematics at Al-Akhawayn University.

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