Brief notes on the Aims and objectives of teaching mathematics

Aims of teaching mathematics are to be framed in the light of the educational values of the subject. Value is the spring-board of aim. We know that mathematics has wide applications in our daily life. It has great cultural and displinary values. Thus we may mention the aims of teaching mathematics as under:

Aims

1. To enable the students to solve mathematical problems of daily life. We have to select the content and methods of teaching so that the students are able to make use of their learning of mathematics in daily life.

2. To enable the students to understand the contribution of mathematics to the development of culture and civilisation.

3. To develop thinking and reasoning power of the students.

4. To prepare a sound foundation needed for various vocations. Mathematics is needed in various professions such as those of engineers, bankers, scientists, accountants, statisticians etc.

5. To prepare the child for further learning in mathematics and the related fields. School mathematics should also aim at preparing him for higher learning in mathematics.

6. To develop in the child desirable habits and attitudes like habit of hard work, self-reliance, concentration and discovery.

7. To give the child an insight into the relationship of different topics and branches of the subject.

8. To enable the child to understand popular literature. He should be so prepared that he finds no handicap in understanding mathematical terms and concepts used in various journals, magazines, newspapers etc.

9. To teach the child the art of economic and creative living.

10. To develop in the child rational and scientific attitude towards life.

Objectives

Aims of teaching mathematics are genially scope whereas objectives of the subject are specific goals leading ultimately to the general aims of the subject. The objectives of teaching mathematics in school can be described as under:

A. Knowledge Objectives

Through mathematics, a pupil acquires the knowledge of the following:

(i) He learns mathematical language, for example, mathematical symbols, formulae figures, diagrams, definitions etc.

(ii) He understands and uses mathematical concepts like concept o area, volume, number, direction etc.

(iii) He learns the fundamental mathematical ideas, processes, rules and relationships.

(iv) He understands the historical background of various topics an contribution of mathematicians.

(v) He understands the significance and use of the units of measurement]

B. Skill Objectives

Mathematics develops the following skills:

(i) The child learns to express thoughts clearly and accurately.

(ii) He learns to perform calculations orally.

(iii) He develops the ability to organise and interpret the given data

(iv) He learns to reach accurate conclusions by accurate and logic reasoning.

(v) He learns to analyse problems and discover fundamental relationships.

(vi) He develops speed and accuracy in solving problems.

(vii) He develops the skill to draw accurate geometrical figures,

(viii) He develops the ability to use mathematical apparatuses an tools skillfully.

C. Appreciation Objectives

The child learns to appreciate:

(i) The contribution of mathematics to the development of various subjects and occupations.

(ii) The role played by mathematics in modern life.

(iii) The mathematical type of thought which serves as model for scientific thinking in other fields.

(iv) The rigour and power of mathematical processes and accrue of results.

(u) The cultural value of mathematics.

(vi) The value of mathematics as leisure time activity.

D. Attitude Objectives

Mathematics helps in the development of following attitudes:

(i) The child develops the attitude of systematically pursuing a task to completion.

(ii) He develops heuristic attitude. He tries to make independent discoveries. (Hi)’ He develops the habit of logical reasoning.

(iv) He is brief and precise in expressing statements and results,

(v)He develops the habit of verification.

(vi) He develops power concentration and independent thinking. (vii) He develops habit of self-reliance.

We have discussed the aims and objectives of teaching mathematics in general. The teacher should carefully choose the objectives regarding a particular topic. The nature of students will also be kept in view.