Teaching mathematics introduction (meaning, nature & values)

Teaching mathematics introduction (meaning, nature & values)

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  Teaching Mathematics (Meaning, Nature& Values) Dr.G.Jaganmohana Rao Faculty of Education MITE, Kohima
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  Etymological Meaning: The term“Mathematics” is derived from two Greek words: ‘Manthanein’ means ‘learning’ & ‘Techne’ means ‘an art (or) technique’, i.e Mathematics means the art of learning related to disciplines (or) facilities. Mathematics Techne An art/Technique Mathanein Learning
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  Definitions: Kant: “Mathematics isthe indispensable instrument of all physical resources.” C.F.Gauss: “Mathematics is the queen of science and Arithmetic is the queen of all Mathematics.” Bacon: “Mathematics is the gateway and key to all science.” The dictionary meaning of Mathematics is that, “It is the science of number (or) space” (OR) “The science of measurement, quantity and magnitude”
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  Nature of Mathematics: 1.It is a science of number and space 2. It has its own language in terms of signs, symbols, operations etc. 3. It helps in drawing conclusions & interpreting various ideas and themes. 4. It is suited for dealing with abstract concept of any kind. 5. It helps to solve problems of daily life. 6. It is a science of Discovery 7. It is the subject of logical sequence 8. It is the science of precision & accuracy 9. It deals with generalization and classification 10. Its learning always proceeds from simple to complex.
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  Values in teachingof Mathematics. Utilitarian Value Disciplinary Value Intellectual Value Cultural Value Moral Value Aesthetic Value Social Value International Value
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  Utilitarian Value: Onecannot do without the use of fundamental processes of this subject in daily life. A common man can get on sometimes very well without learning how to read and write, but he can never pull on without learning how to count and calculate. The knowledge of its fundamental processes and the skill to use them are the preliminary requirements of a human being these days. Cultural Value: The understanding of the world in which we live, of the civilization to which we belong and of the culture of which we are very profound, requires the understanding of scientific ands social principles the development of which he depends, in turn, upon mathematics principles. It has been truly said that “Mathematics is the mirror of civilization.” Mathematics has got its cultural value, and this value is steadily increasing day by day. It helped man to overcome difficulties in the way of his progress.
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  Social Value: Mathematicsplays an important role in the organization and maintenance of our social structure. Society is the result of the inter-relations of individuals. It consists of big and small groups within each group. Mathematics enables us to understand the inter-relations of individuals and the possibilities of various groups. Recreational Value: Mathematics as a subject has also lots of scope of recreational activities. Mathematics leads in developing of different interest and habits which further leads for recreational activities. It also help in planning different leisure time games, healthy practices, managing a function, planning a trip, field study, etc. Disciplinary Value: Mathematics has also to be taught for its disciplinary and intellectual value. It has to aim at providing training to the mind of the learner and developing intellectual habits in them. Mathematical knowledge is exact, real and pure. It trains and disciplines the mind. It develops powers of reasoning and thinking, and reduces reliance on rote memory.