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Mathematics and Life 92 Transitions in mathematics education

 Transitions in mathematics education 


Background Without going into much technical details about the terminology, research, publications happening on mathematics education, I will using terms that are being used in the mathematics education space.


Mathematical Power to me is the ability to use, execute, implement, mathematics and mathematical concepts. Thus, when I will use the term mathematical power, I will mean seeing, feeling, mathematics in the day to day life, science, technology, businesses etc.


Goals for mathematics education US based NCTM National Council of Teachers of Mathematics published Standards  in which goals of mathematics education are seen as - 

  1. That they learn to value mathematics

  2. That they become confident in their ability to do mathematics

  3. That they become mathematics problem solver

  4. That they learn to communicate mathematically

  5. That they learn to reason mathematically


Principles of teaching Mathematics although I have quoted from Standards, the National Education Policy 2020 also broadly centres around these ideas.


Principle 1 Mathematics education must focus on the development of mathematical power. Beyond Abacus very specifically emphasises the development of mathematical power. Through various activities, engaging students in applying mathematics, we strive to achieve this.


Principle 2 Relevant applications should be an integral part of the curriculum. 


Principle 3 Each part of the curriculum should be justified on its own merit. 


Principle 4 Mathematics instructions at all levels should foster active student involvement.


The three layers of knowledge The purpose of Beyond Abacus is to cater to the three major types of students. Here, average means perceived to be average in normal school mathematics terms.


Motivate the below average

Activate the average 

Attract the above average. 


Transitions in mathematics education


Transition 1 The focus of school mathematics is shifting from a dualistic mission - minimal mathematics for the majority, advanced mathematics for a few - a singular focus on a significant common core of mathematics for all students 


Transition 2 The teaching of mathematics is shifting from an authoritarian model based on “transition of knowledge” to student - centred practice featuring “stimulation of learning”. 


Transition 3 Public attitudes about mathematics are shifting from indifference and hostility to recognition of the important role that mathematics plays in today's society. 


Transition 4 The teaching of mathematics is shifting from preoccupation with inculcating routine skills to developing broad - based mathematical power.


Transition 5  The teaching of mathematics is shifting from emphasise on preparation for future courses to greater emphasis on topics that are relevant to students’ present and future needs.


Transition 6  The teaching of mathematics is shifting from primary emphasis on paper - and - pencil calculations to full use of calculators and computers 


Transition 7 The public perception of mathematics is shifting from that of a fixed body of arbitrary rules to a vigorous active science of patterns.


Free Support In case you are stuck with some current or past sheet or concept and wish to clear your doubts, I will be publicly available on 


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Premium support  Individual, one on one, support for learning / revising / doubts clearing available on a case to case basis. Starting from 500/- per consultation, different services can be availed by contacting 8085906962 for appointment (5 pm to 8 pm Monday to Friday)


Dr Prakash Moghe

8085906062, 7489447223

drpnmoghe@gmail.com



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