Mathematics Education

Meenakshi Gandotra

I am happy to know that CBSE is concerned about improvement of Maths education. I have been teaching mathematics since the beginning of my career and strongly feel that improvement in teaching Maths can be made only by framing the right type of curriculum. While main problem is with the curriculum, most of the children feel that the problem is with themselves.

The tradition of oral memorizing of tables helps throughout the life and must be revived. Our elder generation even had the tables of 1/2, 1 ¼ , 1 ½, 2 ½ , ¾ etc. on their finger tips. The curriculum should be closer to life. There is no point in teaching every student every concept at class X level which is of no relevance in practical life. The portion which is necessary for higher classes must start from class XI onwards.

It is good that the CBSE has not given any choice to opt out Maths till class X. Children at the age of 13-15 years cannot think precisely what is good for their future. Maths is not only a subject in itself but in fact it is a mind trainer for other subjects.

A geometry theorem throws up a challenge before the intellect of the child, subjects him to intense thinking and apply logic to arrive at a solution route. This is what we need to do with the challenges of life. There are no short cuts.

Chapters like trigonometry, factors of algebraic expressions, irrational numbers should be introduced after class X. However, area, volume, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, making bills, calculating income tax have utility value and can be taught at elementary level to class X .

Instead of teaching the numbers in the form of natural, integers, rational numbers they should be taught like negative, positive as children at this age do not grasp abstract things easily. The introduction of practicals in Mathematics is a welcome move but the way it is designed at present needs a lot of improvement . Instead of having the models in the lab it should be taught to find the area of the room verandah, basket ball court, walls, doors, volume of brick, milk, cylinder or finding practically the distance, cost, finding the cost, discount etc.

Besides, a manual should be produced to guide schools on how to set up the labs with the help of experienced teachers. Schools and teachers must receive guidance on how to use them and make certain models instead of buying them ready made from shops.

-The author is Principal, Jaswant Modern Sr. Sec. school, Dehra Dun.