The document discusses the importance of a mathematics library and laboratory in schools. It states that a mathematics library helps to develop good reading habits, independent learning, and problem-solving skills in students. It also promotes self-study and filling gaps left from classroom teaching. A mathematics library needs a separate space to provide immediate access to relevant books and resources and efficiently organize library services for mathematics students. The document also outlines the organization, materials, equipment, functions, and importance of a mathematics laboratory to make mathematics learning hands-on and interesting for students. It recommends setting up a mathematics club to supplement classroom learning and motivate students to study mathematics.
PISA-VET launch_El Iza Mohamedou_19 March 2024.pptx
Mathematics Laboratory,Club,Library
1. 1
Mathematics library
Mathematics library is one of the important sources of acquiring mathematics
knowledge and skills. It serves the purpose of inculcating good reading and
study habits which help in promoting self study and independent work among
students, with the advent of information technology and cyber, there is a
growing decline in the reading of books. The different types of problems and
approaches available in different books help the students in developing their
problem-solving ability and adopting different problem solving, thus making
them more open minded and independent. Classroom teaching may leave
many gaps. A good library provides opportunities for filling up the gaps
removing the doubts.
Need
Even though there is a general library with a separate section for mathematics
department in every situation, it is necessary to have a separate library for
mathematics for the following reasons.
A mathematics library provides immediate access to the necessary
mathematics books.
It facilitates timely use of the books and inculcates reference skills.
It provides mathematics teacher with an important role in the selection
of relevant books for the mathematics library.
It promotes efficiency in organization of library services.
It provides a sense of separate identity to mathematics and helps to
motivate the students to learn mathematics with genuine interest.
Importance
It helps future reading.
It develops the healthy hobby of reading.
Habit of self study and self education can be developed.
Students can improve their knowledge by reading general books,
magazines.
It helps to supplement the knowledge learned in classroom.
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The teachers can give specific assignments and suggested book for
reference.
It helps in developing in reference skills necessary for higher education.
Organisation
Mathematics library there should be a good collection of useful boos in
mathematics. The teacher should be responsible for making a wise
selection of books. The library should be attractive and should provide
an atmosphere for reading. It can be decorated with visual aids and
pictures of mathematicians, charts and posters about the contributions,
information on historical developments of certain mathematical
concepts, theorems and so on. The seating arrangement must be
comfortable to students. The books and material for a mathematics
library can be collected and categorized under the following heads and
can be arranged in different cabins and shelves.
Text books:
For any subject the textbook is very important. These should be
provision of all the textbooks related to mathematics for each
class of the school according to prescribed syllabus.
General books:
Books giving general information related to subject matter.
Reference books:
These are books which meant for further studies. Table of
constants, logarithms, dictionaries etc.
Practical books:
Books which provide detailed information of experiments.
Sourcebooks:
These should include books on methods and techniques of
teaching. These are reference books for teachers to acquaint them
innovative methods and techniques of teaching mathematics.
Mathematics magazines and journals:
These are very important in mathematics library to develop
among the students the thirst for knowledge of mathematics.
3. 3
The mathematics teacher should take up the responsibility for organizing the
mathematics library and be in charge of such a library. Mathematics library can
be situated in a large classroom or in a separate section in the mathematics
laboratory. The effective use of the library can be ensured by allotting a
separate period in the timetable for library work especially in higher classes
the mathematics teacher should motivate the students to use library time
more productively.
Mathematics laboratory
It is true that the mathematics laboratory has not yet received the same
general acceptance as a science laboratory. This is probably because the
mathematics teachers themselves have not recognized the significance
of mathematics laboratory as the science teachers have. Actually most
mathematical teachers have been very passive as to this respect.
The mathematics laboratory provides an opportunity for individualized
instructions, introduction to the use of computers and calculators etc. It
is a setting within which students can develop their independent study
programmes. The literal meaning of the word laboratory is a room
where a group of pupils learns the subject actually performing
experiments. It is a demonstration of the concept of an activity oriented
mathematics programme. Now a days laboratory approach to
mathematics instruction in being used effectively in many schools.
Activities such as measuring, drawing, collection of data, classifying data,
working with data and so on.
To be productive the activities must be carefully planned, supervised
and guided towards definite goals. Responsibility of work and success,
effectiveness rests upon mathematics teacher. The activities involved in
laboratory type work in mathematics fall broadly into two classes,
namely demonstration and experimental activities. However two
categories are not mutually exclusive. In demonstration, some physical
instrument is used to illustrate and clarify the explanation of concept.
4. 4
Materials and equipments for mathematics laboratory
Concrete materials: the mathematics lab should contain materials
such as beads, pebbles, sticks, ball frames, balance, weights,
measuring tapes, pin, board, graph paper etc which are very
helpful for demonstrating elementary mathematical concepts.
Pictures and chart: pictures and charts depicting different
mathematical concepts should find a place in a lab. Pictures of
mathematicians, carts showing the contributions of
mathematicians, history are also very helpful in inspiring students
and can be placed in the mathematical laboratory.
Models: various mathematical models which will offer
opportunities for students to explore and investigate should be
placed in the mathematical laboratory.
Bulletin board: there should be at least one bulletin board in the
mathematical laboratory to display various illustrations
concerning mathematics. Information relating to mathematics and
its application collected from different sources like magazines,
journals and newspapers can be displayed.
Blackboard: This helps in writing instructions, drawing
geometrical figures and illustrations necessary for performing
laboratory work.
Instrument required for mathematics laboratory
Drawing instruments: in mathematical library, the students
are required to draw and sketch geometrical figures, graphs
and so on. In every mathematical laboratory there should
be a set of drawing instruments like compass, rulers,
protractor etc. For this, the teachers to demonstrate the
drawing on the black board and instrument bones for the
students use. Stencils for drawing geometrical figures are
also important tools in a mathematics laboratory.
5. 5
Weighing and measuring instruments: mathematical
laboratory work quite often involves the important
activities of weighing and measuring. Therefore,
instruments used for measuring and weighing such as
measuring tapes, balance of different types, measuring jar
and graduated cylinder should be there in a mathematical
lab.
Surveying instruments: surveying is an important aspect of
mathematics laboratory work. Laying out right angles,
finding the angular distance, estimating the distance of an
object, finding the angle of elevation and depression are all
useful activities which make use of surveying instruments.
The following instruments are very useful in this regard
and they should have a place in the mathematical
laboratory.
Angle mirror for laying out angles in the field.
Sextant for measuring
I. The angular distance
II. Angle of elevation and depression
III. The height of the object
IV. The width of a river etc.
Plane table and alidote for elementary mapping and
surviving.
Clinometers for estimating the
I. Angle of elevation
II. Heights of an object
Transit for measuring the angular distance of two
objects.
Level for finding differences in elevation.
Projected aids: projected aids like film projector, over head
projector, slide projector, slide projector, epidiascope,
Liquid Crystal Display should be arranged in the library.
Computing devices:
Calculators- calculators are very helpful in doing
complex computations with greater speed and
6. 6
accuracy. It is smaller in size and lends them to
systematic use over a long period. It may create a
tendency to use more and this will lead to numerical
ability of student. The concept of fluency and
mathematical exploration should form the basis of
the use of calculators.
Computer: a computer is an effective device for
storing information, analysis and interpreting data.
Therefore, it is desirable to have a computer in
mathematical laboratory.
Importance of mathematics laboratory
Habit of critical thinking and logical reasoning can be
developed.
Complex theoretical concepts can be made clear.
Learning of subject matter can be given a practical
shape.
Practical mindedness can be developed.
Interest in learning mathematics can be developed.
Bookish knowledge can be correlated with practically
with their daily life.
Functions of mathematics laboratory
The primary functions of a mathematics laboratory are to:
Make mathematics teaching and learning, interesting
and purposeful for the students.
Enable students to develop proper skills in handling
equipment and gadgets.
Providing activities that arouse the curiosity of the
students and maintain their interest in learning.
Concrete the abstract mathematical concepts.
Help the child develop the ability of keen
observation.
7. 7
Develop in pupils a positive attitude towards problem
solving.
Mathematics club
“The club represents freedom of expression whereas, the classroom
represents conformity and repression “
The meeting place where a number of persons meet to discuss
something or to study some problem is known as a club. Mathematics
club plays an important role in motivating the student to learn
mathematics with interest and involment. Sometimes mathematics
teaching in classroom becomes so monotonous that the student become
restless and get easily distracted. Club provides a lot of freedom of
expression for the students and it supplements. The mathematical club
will create among the student an idea of the practical utility of
mathematics in addition to create their interest in mathematics. Also a
number of programs can be organised under the auspices of a
mathematics club
Need and importance
The value of a mathematics club may be summarised in the following
points.
It inculcates the habit of self study and independent work
among the students.
It supplements classroom learning.
It acquaints the students with the contribution of great
mathematician in their fields.
It stimulates individual interest and initiative in the study of
subject matter.
It provides a less formal environment of study as compared
to usual classroom learning.
It helps in developing heuristic and problem solving attitude
among students.
8. 8
It promotes the students with opportunities to develop
their explorative, creative and inventive faculties.
It provides firsthand experience to the learners, as they
participate in model making, arranging for exhibition, field
work, and laboratory work and so on.
Functions
Organising recreational activities in mathematics such as
games, quiz, puzzles, riddles etc.
Preparing mathematical aids and illustrations.
Collecting and reading mathematical literature and
magazines.
Organising mathematical competitions, seminars and career
talks related to mathematics.
Organising programmes that necessitates extra reading and
study of mathematics.
Celebrating days and events pertaining to eminent
mathematicians and history of mathematics.
Arranging mathematical shows, exhibitions etc.
Organising inter class and inter school competitions in
collaboration with other subjects club.
Organising discussions about the practical application of
mathematics.
Organisation
A properly organised mathematics club goes a long way in stimulating interest
among the students in mathematics. It should be run by the students under
the supervision and guidance of the mathematics teacher. Emphasis should be
on active participation of the members. A draft constitution of the club can be
prepared by mathematics teacher, in consultation with the head master, to
facilitate its smooth functioning.
9. 9
All the students of mathematics should register as number of the
club. The interested students of science and other allied subjects also may be
allowed to become members.