Contextualization: teaching estimation to grade five and six learners using maize crop

A journal article on primary mathematics education in Zimbabwe.Estimation is one of the motivating concepts in mathematics especially if one gets accurate or close to accurate answers. In this paper we look at how 26 primary school learners in Grade 5 and 6 in Masvingo district, Zimbabwe, learnt this mathematical concept practically using maize during their holiday lessons. They measured the length and circumference of maize cobs at the base, and counted the number of seeds. After that they then filled a bucket. The idea was to find out how many maize cobs it would take to fill a 20 kilogramme bucket, a 50 kilogramme sack, and subsequently a tonne. After that the learners went on to estimate the three features of maize cobs (length, circumference at the base and the number of seeds). The entire exercise was mainly based on estimating the number that can Jill a bucket. After the study, the level of application of the concept was astounding as they went on to estimate the yields in their fields where the results were very close

Time-consistent investment-proportional reinsurance strategy under a jump-diffusion model

In this paper, we formulate a mean-variance portfolio selection problem of an insurer who manages her underlying risk by purchasing proportional reinsurance and investing in a financial market consisting of a bank account and a risky asset following a jump-diffusion dynamics with random parameters. We then obtain a time-consistent equilibrium strategy via a flow of Backward Stochastic Differential Equations. Finally, we apply our results to a mean-reverting Levy-Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process and obtain closed form solutions

Up-side-down (Dyakodo): teaching and learning method of mathematics

A research paper on an innovative and effective method of teaching Mathematics in Zimbabwe.The paper presents results ofa research on one method ofteaching and learning mathematics based on observations on and experiences of 35 Form One learners and 6 teachers ataZengeza school in Chitungwiza, about 2 J kilometers south ofHarare. The pass rate rose from 7% to an astonishing 61% in a space of a 20 school days. Cipra (1988), Steen (1988), and White & Mitchelmore (1996) have raised much concern in the failure by teachers to develop a conceptual understanding of mathematics topics because of the rote, manipulative learning that takes place in classrooms at introductory secondary school levels. Lithner (2003, 2004) also remarks that most exercises in mathematics textbooks may be solved by mathematically superficial strategies, often with>.:. ssentially considering the core mathematics of the book section in question. It is along these lines that the up-side-down (dyakodo) teaching and learning method in mathematics has been found to be an effective method of teaching mathematics for understanding. The up-side-down (dyakodo) teaching and learning method allows learners to do lessons at home and then home-work in class in order to integrate important ’real-world' everyday life activities into the school activities

Time-consistent investment-proportional reinsurance strategy under a jump-diffusion model

In this paper, we formulate a mean-variance portfolio selection problem of an insurer who manages her underlying risk by purchasing proportional reinsurance and investing in a financial market consisting of a bank account and a risky asset following a jump-diffusion dynamics with random parameters. We then obtain a time-consistent equilibrium strategy via a flow of Backward Stochastic Differential Equations. Finally, we apply our results to a mean-reverting Levy-Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process and obtain closed form solutions

Sustainability and the digital age: exploring sustainable production and consumption behaviors

The digital age had a profound impact on communications and businesses,exacerbating the worldwide rate of consumption and production that depletes Earth’s natural resources. This paper explores how the digital age relates to businesses' and consumers' sustainable practices. Results from an online questionnaire and a company interview, support that companies have adapted to the digital world and to the increasingly demanding and conscientious consumers. Society is making progress, nevertheless, although individuals are more aware of their consumption's negative impact on the environment and are changing the way they dispose of and use products, their purchase habits are still mainly unaltered