Six plus one equals the number of times the Escuela Preparatoria Regional de Chapala has run the Lakeside Math Olympics, a unique competition to challenge the area’s brightest young minds.
Last month, 32 lakeside area elementary and secondary schools, both private and public, selected their best math whizzes to take part in the academic challenge. Testing was divided into five skill-level divisions, applied to 345 young scholars enrolled in grades five through nine.
The top 100 contestants were honored at an awards ceremony held March 28 at the Centro Cultural Antigua Presidencia, with Jalisco Education Secretary Francisco Ayón López on hand to salute them on the winner’s podium. There were 20 students qualifying for first place prizes, 30 recognized for second place scores and 50 taking third place.
The Prepa Math Olympics format breaks with the standard test formula of a kind of sprint through a collection of multiple choice questions. It is more like a mental marathon, consisting of just five complex mathematical problems to be solved in a period of no more than four hours.
The examination is something like an obstacle course in problem solving in which contestants are evaluated on their abilities to apply critical thinking to reach the finish line. The correct answer is valued at just one point. To rack up high scores they have to demonstrate on paper the process and route followed to find the answer.
The test reflects a recent shift in the Mexican education system’s approach to a basic school subject, getting away from the traditional focus on math mechanics to build the student’s skills at analysis and practical methods in addressing real life problems.
During the awards ceremony, Prepa Director Juan Ramón Álvarez López commented that the annual competition is a model for strengthening academic growth, singling out long-time high school math professor Pilar Morfín Hera, the Olimpiada’s founder and coordinator.
Ayón presented her with a framed diploma in recognition of her dedication and leadership. He also announced that Jalisco has been chosen to host the national math Olympics in Guadalajara in October.
Morfín designed the Olimpiada based on her classroom observations that students need guidance in buffing up their cerebral muscles to think outside the box. It goes far beyond putting on a one-day contest. Rather, it is the culmination of a year-round training program open to all youngsters interested in boosting their math skills.
The Prepa’s own students serve as tutors, leading weekly workout sessions, not only for classroom geniuses but also average and struggling scholars seeking remedial work in what is commonly viewed as the toughest school subject.