TO gain the upper hand in the sciences or the social sciences, students must have strong analytical skills.
Training through the learning of mathematics, said veteran mathematician Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Kamel Ariffin Mohd Atan, will help to develop these skills, as well as the ability to express one’s ideas systematically and coherently, verbally or otherwise, with good discipline and tolerance to opposing views.
“Inherent in the teaching of mathematics is the moulding of one’s character in these traits, which one will possess in higher education and in one’s career later on in life,” he told StarEdu.
To master mathematical skills, Prof Kamel Ariffin recommended starting by understanding the basic ideas related to each topic and doing a variety of exercises.
“As a student, I took my time to delve into each topic, depending on its difficulty.
“Do not rush. Grasping mathematical ideas is a slow process and must be meticulously done,” he said.
“Be prepared to use a lot of paper and pencils or pens not only to take down notes from teachers and to do exercises, but also to scribble any idea that might form in your mind. That has been my approach to develop my skills in mathematics,” he added.
Drawing an analogy between an explorer and a student of mathematics, he emphasised that one’s attitude is important to benefit from one’s learning.
“One has to develop a positive attitude and confidence in one’s ability to explore the realm of mathematics.
It is quite similar to the attitude of an explorer who loves to embark on a journey into unknown regions.
“An explorer will equip himself with essential tools before embarking on his journey into the unknown.
Similarly, students of mathematics will need to equip themselves with essential basic knowledge at every step before proceeding to a higher level of the subject,” he said, adding that students have to be active learners of mathematics both in the classrooms guided by their teachers and outside classrooms on their own.
“Stay close to those who are knowledgeable in the topics studied. Be frank and honest with your mentors about what you know and what you do not yet understand.
“If you aspire to be a mathematician, allocate some time to read the literature on mathematics, especially the history of mathematics, and famous mathematicians and their achievements, to develop a better understanding and appreciation of the mathematics which is studied today,” he advised.
Prof Kamel Ariffin, who retired as the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Institute for Mathematical Research director in 2016, has vast experience in mathematics, as well as administration – having been appointed to various academic and administrative posts throughout his career spanning over 40 years.
A winner of a string of accolades throughout the years, he cited his contribution to the development of a new method in the field of number theory, particularly in exponential sums, to be his most memorable achievement.
“What’s also memorable is my work with other researchers in number theory and graph theory, which has been published in journals that are read and referred to nationally and internationally,” he said.
Beauty of solving problems
For the 75-year-old, his interest in mathematics grew exponentially when he started learning Additional Mathematics in Form Four.
“Additional Mathematics provides challenges outside the realm of real-life problems.
The problems are more theoretical in nature and require deep imagination to solve them.
“I found solving such mathematical problems challenging and interesting, and began to appreciate the beauty that came with the methods of solving them,” he shared.
But what really inspired him to study to be a mathematician – bachelor’s degree at Universiti Malaya, master’s degree at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, and PhD in Number Theory at the University of New South Wales, Australia – was the devotion shown by the mathematicians before him.
“Their enthusiasm and dedicated interest in finding solutions to unsolved problems by devising novel methods spurred me on,” he said.
Prof Kamel Ariffin believes that one’s training in mathematics gives one a great advantage in one’s studies and career.
“Mathematics is an area that supports most fields of knowledge.
A good grounding in mathematics will enable one to become a person of knowledge, be it in science and technology, commerce or the social sciences.
“Those who are passionate about mathematics itself can proceed to further their knowledge in the various areas of mathematics at a higher level.
“There are many problems in mathematics in which one can do research on, to look for their solutions or improve on the existing ones,” he said.
He is also of the view that one who is well-trained in mathematics will develop a strong understanding of the importance of discipline in carrying out one’s jobs.
“Such a personality will make a good administrator, be it in the public or private sector,” he said.
During his retirement, Prof Kamel Ariffin, who lives in Kajang, Selangor, with his wife, Zaini Mukmin, has been spending his time catching up on his reading and revising his mathematics work.
“Occasionally, I write journal papers on mathematics.
“Besides that, I attend meetings of the societies of which I am a member,” said Prof Kamel Ariffin, who is the Malaysian Academy of Mathematical Scientists president, the Malaysian Mathematical Sciences Society (Persama) fellow and lifelong member, the Malaysian Society for Cryptology Research member, and the Academy of Sciences Malaysia fellow.
“My family provided me with constant support throughout my career as a mathematician, and even in my retirement,” said the father of five and grandfather of 26.
Amira Aisha, 19, a student in Selangor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. To join Star-NiE’s online youth community, go to facebook. com/niebrats.
Now that you have read the article, test your understanding by carrying out the following English language activities.
1 Look in today’s copy of the Sunday Star newspaper for examples of how having a good grasp of mathematicsis useful in our lives.
Cut out the pictures and/or articles, and have a showand- tell with your friends.
2 If you were to carry out an interview with Prof Kamel Ariffin, what other information would you obtain from him? With an activity partner, discuss the response that he would most likely give.
Then, write another interview piece (in about 350 words) as a follow-up to Amira Aisha’s article.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes the use of English language in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@ thestar.com.my.