Improving school mathematics 3
Implications on classroom teachings
Mathematics is the science of recognising, understanding, appreciating, creating and using patterns in day to day life, business, sciences, work life, technology.
Once we accept this broad based perception of what it is to know mathematics, our methods of teaching, evaluation, all change for the better. They become more student friendly, inclusive, experiential and experimental by nature,
The focus of teaching, for example, would move to empowering each the students from the current practice of appreciating, encouraging, those already good at the subject. The teacher would use technology effectively to study in child in due details, keep track of progress and would create examples suitable for the student.
Funwork would replace homework. For example while introducing the concept of length, measuring length, the students may be asked to estimate length of different items around them like pencil, pen, mobile, table, kitchen items at home and then measure it actually. Put observations in tabular form. Gradually, the estimates will become more and more accurate.
Likewise, they may be taken to vegetable - fruits, market and asked to take out say, two kg onion, and find how much is the variation in reality.
The teacher, parents, school management, all need to develop appreciation for the approach which will empower the child, without sacrificing the required content knowledge.
In fact, they would do much better.
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