Concept Note_Math Master_ILFS Education_Biswa Nayak

7/30/2019 Concept Note_Math Master_ILFS Education_Biswa Nayak

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Concept Note on Activity based Maths learning: Maths Master

Introduction

Math is usually taught in most schools by rote with minimal student exploration and without using

teaching aids. Students are made to learn formulae and theorems by repetition and memorisation,

thus learning the subject without understanding it or its relevance to their lives and quite often

developing an aversion to it.

It is therefore imperative that educators and parents address this issue and employ suitable

teaching processes which help enhance knowledge through experience. Keeping this in mind, IETS

launched the Math Master program in the year 2008. This kit-based program aims at bringing all

students up to a basic level in the key areas of abstract thinking, problem solving and logical

reasoning related to learning of Math.

The Math Master program is in line with the initiatives taken by the NCERT to allow for the

learning of Math to move from the concrete to the abstract with emphasis on activity rather than

learning byheart. It teaches Math in a way that students can see the link between the subject

and its use in real life. It helps students discover mathematical concepts through observation,

experimentation and manipulation, thus making the learning interactive and enjoyable.

Need

Mathematics has always been a very important subject to understand the physical phenomena

around us and it is indispensable as a tool in our daily life. Unfortunately a huge percentage of

students find mathematics confusing, scary and even distressing.

Mostly taught as an Isolated Skill and Arbitrary Rules Focus on Mathematical Facts rather than Mathematical Process No room for Exploration and Creativity Lack of personalized Learning Approach Lack of Teaching Learning Aids Inability to establish Interdisciplinary Connections Tackling Students Learning Disabilities

Math Master is a comprehensive solution that builds an appealing world full of color, touch, sound

and exploration around the dry subject of Mathematics. With its specially designed lab and

educational aids powered by technology, the solution fosters individualized and peer learning.

Objective

The objective of the Math Master program is to make the teaching-learning of Math more

experiential and less theoretical with the use of manipulatives and other teaching aids.

Benefits of the Math Master program:


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In the earlier days math was first learnt and then applied by students but in Math Master we do it

vice versa a child first applies and then he learns the concepts he is taught. Its a fun and more

practical way of learning math. Here in a child comes in an atmosphere that inculcates a desire to

touch and learn the various mathematical objects kept around him and learn the concept hidden

behind that.

Math Master gives children many opportunities to see things differently and to move about and

play with things they can touch. It helps them connect and correlate things, and demonstrate

concepts in their own way. It encourages children to think and show respect for their own thinking

and accept their point of view. It also encourages them to question and allows them to explore

different ways of solving problems.

Math Master is all about learning, verifying and visualizing mathematical concepts in a funway through educational aids, interactive tools, manipulatives, computer interface and

guidance from teachers and experts.

It inspires out of the box thinking and provides an opportunity to explore the valuableknowledge with classmates.

It inculcates learning through Applied Reasoning. This learning centred approach to mathhelps every child imagine, investigate and interact effectively.

Enables students to see the connection between Math learning in school and its use ineveryday transactions and events

Caters to the needs of the auditory, visual and tactile learner making all types of studentscurious and engaged with learning actively

Helps students overcome the fear of Math by the process of discovery throughobservation, experimentation and manipulation

Provides a solid foundation for higher Math learningThe program methodology incorporates a highly interactive and practical format which includes

group activities, puzzle solving, model building, simulated exercises, role-plays, games and more.

Target group

The program is for students studying in Std. 1 to Std. 10

Methodology

The design of the Math Master program is such that it will be delivered in a friendly and interactive

environment where students:

Learn through use of manipulatives, puzzles, games etc. reinforce their learning by role-plays and other simulation exercises related to real life get practice through written activities in their workbooks

The Math Master program has between 45 to 64 sessions per class inclusive of assessment

sessions. The duration of each session is 30 minutes.


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Deliverables

IL&FS will provide:

1. Manipulatives, Charts & Workbooks Math Master Kit Standard-wise workbooks for all the students Teacher Manuals

2. Maths Ambience Incorporating the principles of BALA (Building as Learning Aid), wherein building

components are used as learning aids to illustrate concepts from the curriculum.

Building design can play an important role in enhancing the teaching-learning

environment, where building components are used as learning aids. Areas of the

school building like classrooms, corridors and open spaces can be suitably utilized

to explain concepts from the curriculum across various subjects like math,

languages, sciences and cultural awareness. Aspects of the built environment like

windows, doors, fans, walls, flooring, columns, grills etc illustrate applications of

these concepts, which can be integrated into the into the school design. The

outcome therefore will be school buildings, which are not only places where the

learning activity takes place but also places where the physical infrastructure itself

becomes an integral constituent in the teaching learning process.

3. Multimedia Content teaching using K-Yan Teaching-learning material based on multimedia content provided for activities K-Yan: Integrated Community Computer System. An integrated computer system

which has a built-in projector, audio system, TV tuner card, Internet ready device

and Interactive enabled feature which converts any wall in to digital whiteboard.

The portability and usability of the device makes it very useful teaching aid.

Help Videos are provided wherever appropriate Teachers can easily explain and demonstrate many abstract concepts

4. Maths tools & Software Sketchpad is a very effective math tool that allows learners to dynamically

construct, demonstrate and explore; adding powerful new dimensions to learning

of math

Students can construct geometrical figures and explore the mathematicalproperties by interacting with the tools

In addition the IETS trained and certified facilitators will train the school teachers. The duration of

the training would be 3 days. The training will contain following inputs from the experts:

Session-wise explanation of objectives and process Familiarity with the kit for planned usage and for creative application Effective classroom management strategies Mock teaching practice for teachers using the kit items

At the end of the Math Master training all the teachers will be trained to:


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Handle a creative and interactive classroom Use a detailed Teachers Manual with a step-by-step explanation and demonstration ofthe classroom activity

Connect the learning to the curricular requirements Use a comprehensive Kit with all the teaching-learning material

Documents

Concept Note_Math Master_ILFS Education_Biswa Nayak