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ASSIGNMENT

Honey.B.H

Mathematics

REG No.18014368002

MATHEMATICS LABORATORY

            Mathematics laboratory is very important one. 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 teacher themselves has not recognized the significance of mathematic laboratory as the science teacher 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 calculators and computers etc. It is a setting with in 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 matter actually performing experiments. The laboratory approach embodies the concepts of active learning, pupil’s involvement and participation and relevance. Nowadays laboratory approach to mathematics instruction is being used effectively in many schools.

NEED AND SIGNIFICANCE OF MATHEMATICS LABORATORY

Recently laboratory work in mathematics is receiving increasing attention. The underlying idea of a mathematical laboratory is that pupils will develop new concepts and understandings meaningfully through experimental activities dealing with concrete situations. It is particularly difficult to understand mathematical concepts as they are abstract in nature. They can be learned better through observation of the concrete situations and experiments and manipulations of concrete objects. Activities such as measuring and drawing, counting weighing, averaging and estimating, taking the readings from instruments, recording, comparing, analyzing, classifying and checking data, working with data and so on will involve the use of physical instruments and can be labeled as laboratory work.

            The activities involved in laboratory work in mathematics fall broadly into two classes namely ‘demonstrations’ and ‘experimental activities’. However, these two categories lie not mutually exclusive. In ‘demonstration’ some physical instrument or device is used to illustrate and clarify the explanation of a mathematical concept or a method.

            Experimental activities include the kind of activities which are carried on individually or by small groups working together and are primarily aimed at helping experimenters themselves to understand concepts/ideas clearly. In the high school mathematics, properties of geometric figures and concepts of distant, angles weights, areas volumes and loci etc. can be given a more vivid impact through experimental activities than through any other means. All these will be more effective if the model, etc are constructed by the learners themselves. They may be motivated to prepare learning materials under the guidance of the teacher.

IMPORTANCE OF MATHEMATICS LABORATORY

            Mathematics laboratory in a school is very important and useful. The importance of mathematics laboratory can be enumerated as follows.

       I.            Habits of critical thinking and logical reasoning can be developed.

    II.            Complex theoretical concepts can be made clear by performing suitable experiments.

 III.            Learning of subject matter can be given a practical shape.

 IV.            Practical mindedness can be developed among the students.

    V.            Interest in learning mathematics can be developed.

 VI.            Scientific attitude or temperament can be developed among the students.

VII.            Bookish knowledge of the students can be correlated practically with their daily life.

VIII.            Learners can be enabled to construct mathematical knowledge on their own.

Functions of Mathematical Laboratory

The primary functions of a mathematics laboratory are to,

       I.            Make mathematics teaching and learning and purposeful for the students.

    II.            Provides activities that arouse the curiosity of the students and maintain their interest in learning.

 III.            Enable students to develop proper skills in handling equipment and gadgets.

 IV.            Help the students develop powers of observation, analysis and drawing inferences.

    V.            Make students appreciate the practical applicability of mathematical principles and laws.

 VI.            Concretise the abstract mathematical concepts.

VII.            Help the child develop the ability for keen observation.

VIII.            Develop in pupils a positive attitude towards problem solving.

Materials and Equipments for the Mathematical Laboratary

            For the effective functioning of a mathematics laboratory, it should be well equipped. A mathematics laboratory may contain the following type of materials and equipments.

Materials

        I.            Concrete Materials

      II.            Tracing Materials

    III.            Pictures and Charts

    IV.            Models

Instruments and Equipments

        I.            Drawing instruments

      II.            Weighing and Measuring Instruments

    III.            Surveying Instruments

    IV.            Projected aids

      V.            Proportional Dividers

    VI.            Computing Devices

Calculators

            Calculators are very helpful in doing complex computations with greater speed and accuracy. An advantage of calculators over computers is that they are smaller in size and lend themselves to systematic use of calculators should be explicitly planned for by the teacher. The use of calculators should be restricted until the children understand the basic ideas behind the operations particularly the concept of place value in simple calculations. As the students move to higher classes they may be trained to make use of the various function keys to find the required answer. The teacher should plan the use of calculators in such a way that its use should result in better clarify of concepts and should provide enough opportunities for mathematical exploration.

Computer

            In this technological age one cannot under estimate the role of computers in mathematical work. A computer is an effective device for storing information. Analyzing and interpreting data. So, it is desirable to have a computer in the mathematical laboratory.

Conclusion

            Mathematics laboratory is very important for teachers and students. Which provide an opportunity for individualized instructions, instructions to the use of calculators and computers. A teacher of mathematics can use his discretion in selecting, the instruments to equip the mathematics laboratory. The type of instruments and materials for a mathematics laboratory, to a great extent, depends upon the needs of the students and the nature of the mathematical activities carried out there.