Is Mathematics, the Queen of all Sciences.Can we say that Maths can be used to explain all sciences including our biological nature?
A sound foundation in Mathematics at primary school level is a great asset for a child in later years of learning. A good part of this foundation is laid naturally as they grow from infancy to toddler, building their cognitive abilities such as vision, touch and motor skills such as grasping, sitting up etc. Needless to say, how wonderfully we grow !
Intellectual growth during early stages are very rapid and natural, but maintaining a remarkable improvement needs a favourable and nurturing environment.
Some students develop an aversion to Maths mainly due to stringent methods they are forced to follow while learning.Though mathematical abilities vary, all humans are intellectually special in their own ways.
Mathematics starts with the counting numbers and we rarely see children complain as they find a quick and immediate way to apply this Math in their daily lives.They count objects around them playfully. We clearly see that the child has found an application for the skill.
In the later years, as they begin formal learning, the subject becomes unfriendly for some.The child needs some extra reason to use these skills during these years to remain engaged.Unless they are amused or have extra influences from teachers, they may show reluctance. Here, we need to be reminded that under ideal environment, the kids would have been active learners.
What is an ideal environment for learning ? Ideal environment is different for different learners. Some common factors in my opinion are freedom to innovate, have fun in the process, having good teachers or mentors and a sense of usefulness or fruitful end result. This could be short term usefulness of appeasing one’s quest for knowledge or long term benefits. Children are no exception. If only they could find Mathematics at work in Scientific applications, in natural events or in natural surroundings and find their own explanations !
Great teachers always find methods to amuse their students in this manner. They may cite examples of simple pendulum to that of modern automobiles to create ‘awe’ in the subject. With a teacher or guru beside us, we will see various branches of Science meeting Mathematics to fulfil its end.
Teachers have a profound influence on the child’s mind. When teachers effectively convey math concepts, it widens our knowledge of the world around us.
To : All parents and teachers and Young Mathematicians
Jojo Mathew
CEO ,Edugraff