Maths labs boost pass rates in Sri Lanka

Children playing in the maths labs

9 November 2009: A Plan-supported alternative style of teaching maths is having a major impact on the Sri Lankan education system - boosting pass rates by 30%.

Maths teacher Dharmasiri Hengodage witnessed first hand how difficult it was for his primary school students to learn maths using conventional chalk and board methods. So he decided to create his own style of teaching, using traditional, child-friendly songs and games.

Reaching out

With the help of Plan Sri Lanka, the maths labs programme was able to reach a wider audience and the attention of the Ministry of Education. Today, 170 schools in Plan working areas have incorporated the programme.

Plan Sri Lanka has facilitated training for 850 teachers, 25 student peer groups, and provided maths tools. The Ministry of Education, meanwhile, has designed a training module and is managing the implementation of the project.

Learning through play

More than 30 games have been adapted to make them more educational and many of them have been played by children outside of school. For example, Darm, which is similar to chess, is traditionally played at ceremonies and funerals.

This ‘learn by doing’ method has huge benefits for the children. It helps to cultivate their basic maths skills while building and increasing their critical thinking abilities. It also helps them to enjoy what they are learning. The maths labs are also easing the problem of Sri Lanka's teacher shortage, as more students can fit into one class.

Pass rates

The concept is already having an impact. A survey conducted after the Ministry of Education learned about the method showed that a significant number of students were scoring below the pass mark at a model grade 10 examination.

The students were then taught using the new concept and nearly 30% of students who had scored lowest in the survey scored the required pass mark at the national exam.

The movement is continuing to grow with the Ministry of Education and Institute of Education allocating money for the programme. Plan Sri Lanka is confident that the methodology will be implemented at a national level.

Find out more about Plan’s work in Sri Lanka.

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