Math whiz says enjoyable studying yields prime outcomes | Information

Seventeen-year-old Mijaun Talbot, the joint regional prime Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) arithmetic performer for 2025, believes arithmetic can not merely be taught from the entrance of a classroom. For him, it’s a topic to be skilled, linked with, and loved.

Talbot, a Campion College sixth former, emphasizes that making arithmetic relatable and enjoyable is vital to tutorial success.

“In terms of teaching mathematics, I would say that math is a subject where you really can’t just teach the information,” he informed The Sunday Gleaner.

“You have to be able to connect with your students outside of a classroom or educational setting. I don’t think being a teacher, where you’re just militant and simply delivering lessons is the best environment, personally.”

Talbot emerged prime of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) advantage lists for arithmetic this 12 months, tied with Trinidad and Tobago’s Alexia Pouthier as the highest performer in the whole area.

Jamaican college students delivered robust total performances within the 2025 CSEC examinations, securing first place in 13 topics, together with Mathematics. In addition to topping CXC’s advantage lists for arithmetic, Talbot positioned seventh islandwide in Additional Mathematics. He additionally handed 9 CSEC topics with Grade Ones, together with eight distinctions, and earned 26 of 27 Grade A profiles.

“I really do like mathematics. It is one of the subjects that I really enjoy doing at Campion,” Talbot mentioned. “I’d say I do have a knack for math, so it really did help me, but more so, it helped a lot just studying and staying committed. Before the examination process, I actually made a study timetable for all the subjects,” he mentioned.

This 12 months, 44 per cent of scholars who sat Mathematics achieved a passing grade, up from 39 per cent the earlier 12 months. Still, the nationwide common stays beneath the pre-pandemic 54 per cent go charge. Recognizing the broader challenges going through arithmetic schooling in Jamaica, Talbot reasoned that success is influenced not solely by pupil effort but additionally by educating strategies.

“I think when you’re teaching math, you have to have fun with it. You have to have fun, and your students will feel that. If they know you’re enjoying it, they’ll enjoy it too. That was a big part of my learning; being engaged and having fun helped me absorb more,” he defined.

When Talbot sat the CSEC examinations, he was assured in his preparation however didn’t dwell on placement.

“It wasn’t something that was at the top of my mind, but I was extremely happy when I found out that the work I had put in paid off,” the well-spoken teen informed The Sunday Gleaner. “I think this is not only a great achievement for me, and my circle, but for all Jamaica.”

Talbot has persistently excelled academically. He entered Campion College 5 years in the past as a authorities scholar from Mona Preparatory, rating within the prime one per cent of his cohort within the Primary Exit Profile (PEP). His structured routines, motivation, and supportive circle have been key to sustaining his excessive efficiency.

Talbot’s meticulous preparation, disciplined research routine, and dedication to understanding ideas contributed to his excellent outcomes. He said {that a} real ardour for arithmetic and associated topics – robotics, coding, and astronomy – fuelled his achievements.

“I understand that mathematics is a subject that a lot of persons are averse to,” he famous. “However, since I would say I have a knack for it, and I like coding and astronomy, I tried my best and knew I would have done well,” he mentioned modestly.

His dedication to finding out was matched by a dedication to serving to others. Talbot typically tutored mates, reinforcing his personal understanding whereas fostering a collaborative studying atmosphere.

“I was also helping a lot of my other friends, which something I realised while I was doing it, that I did it for the benefit of my friends for the most part, but it also helped me to solidify the information that I was disseminating to them or helping them understand. I’d definitely call it a group success,” he mentioned.

Even with a rigorous research schedule, Talbot maintained stability via leisure actions like video video games and tv, intentionally avoiding social media distractions.

Talbot credit a lot of his success to his dad and mom, academics, and friends.

“My parents were a big, massive help, honestly. It was really, really nice having them in my corner like that, just being able to turn to them when I needed it,” he mentioned.

He mentioned that his mom was a relentless supply of encouragement, continually telling him “just stay on the narrow path” and to stay centered.

“That was her biggest word during my examinations, ‘focus’. That was most of what she said. ‘Just try and focus on what you’re doing in the now…’” he associated.

Talbot additionally lauded his mates and praised his academics’ strategy, stating that they have been strict however partaking, fostering connection and pleasure in studying.

“I have to attribute some of this to them as well, because I don’t think I could have got to this point without them,” he informed The Sunday Gleaner.

Talbot mentioned the best way during which the topic was taught made studying enjoyable and that made a distinction.

“It definitely did help to have that connection with your teacher in the sense that you knew that they weren’t just there to teach, that they enjoyed teaching and they enjoyed just helping students,” he defined.

Talbot is now in decrease sixth kind, finding out physics, chemistry, pure arithmetic, and communication research. He is contemplating careers in chemical engineering or astrochemistry and goals to copy his CSEC success within the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

“I plan to, definitely,” he promised.

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