Soccer and math seek to end lack of interest in schooling

Romanian scholars have found a way to make learning more entertaining.

Due to low academic performance and high rates of school dropouts, the Romanian authorities decided to try new teaching method so that through soccer, learning mathematics becomes more entertaining.

This initiative seeks to familiarize children with basic aspects of mathematics through one of the most emblematic sports. But what does it consist of? A mathematical equation is printed on the back of each player. This aims to familiarize fans with basic symbols such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This will allow fast and logical mathematical thinking, and during play time, greater skill, coordination, and teamwork.

We learn a lot by simply watching soccer but how do you do it? We learn statistics when we analyze each player’s passes, we learn geometry when we analyze the triangulation of a team and when comparing their current performance to about 10 or 20 years ago. We also learn some physics when we talk about distance of a freekick or a penalty.

Razvan Burleanu, president of the Romanian Football Federation, stated that soccer and math are not mutually exclusive. “We must see sport and education not only as complementary elements, but also fundamental in the integration, preparation, and improvement of children”. Burleanu also affirmed that through this method kids are taught to learn the basic rules of soccer while discovering the world of mathematics.

Since childhood, we have been taught that math will accompany us forever, but what they forgot to teach us were the didactic methods that, thanks to the Romanians, they practice today and will change the current teaching model.

LatinAmerican Post | Sebastián Muñoz Rodríguez
Copy edited by Susana Cicchetto