Abstract:
In this short communication, we discuss the recent challenges and
opportunities in the field of Mathematics and mathematical sciences.
Mathematics Education is a process which involves teaching, learning,
research or any other activity related to mathematics. Researchers in
mathematics education develop the tools, methods , approaches that not
only facilitate study of mathematics but they are useful to other
fields of science, technology and life. At different times mathematics
education has attempted to achieve different objectives. These
objectives are as follows: (1)development of numerical skills, (2)
framing of curriculum at primary, secondary & higher levels which
includes syllabus , teaching plans, laboratory experiments, library
containing texts, references, dictionaries, periodicals, journals,
audio & video C.D.s etc.
(2) usage of
charts, graphs and equipments
(3)
teacher�s knowledge of the subject and their training
(4) proper
communication, feedback and reinforcement
(5)fostering independent and creative thinking
(6) eradication of fear about the subject and building self
confidence(7)familiarity with
technical vocabulary and symbolism(8)to equip students of different
ages with different areas of mathematics such as algebra, geometry,
trigonometry, calculus and such other pure and applied branches of
mathematics (9) to introduce axiomatic systems, deductive reasoning,
contradiction deduction & induction methods of proofs etc. These
objectives should help the students to acquire necessary skills.
Methods of teaching mathematics have changed in line with changing
objectives at different times.The processes teaching, learning and
evaluation are integrated components at primary, secondary and higher
levels of mathematics education.
Although mathematics education has expanded
and has diverse applications in science, technology and other fields
of life, even then issues of concerns or challenges and opportunities
in mathematics education are quality, declining enrolment, drop-outs,
shortage of teachers, red-tapism, syllabi at various levels,
competition, assessment and accountability , ICT based teaching
learning processes, abstract concepts, examination & evaluation,
research projects, interdisciplinary learning & research,
entrepreneurship skills, innovative practices, study tours, student
support and progression, consultancy ,collaborations etc.
Quality in mathematics education is possible with effective support,
participation and commitment of different stakeholders like
Government, Management, Teachers, Parents, and Students etc. In
mathematics education, we should create learner-friendly environment
by enriching the learning resources and make learners primarily
responsible for their choices. This will help to maximize teacher and
student�s productivity, knowledge acquisition, development of skills
like creative thinking, analytical approach and logical thinking. In
mathematics education we should develop procedures to keep pace with
recent developments. We should develop appropriate continuous
evaluation schedules and communicate in advance to learners. We should
develop networking, collaborations with neighborhood, industry,
colleges, government and non-governmental organizations to make the
different educational services user friendly and mutually beneficial.
We should have ambitious schemes and programs for taking full
advantage of information technology. Efforts should be made to
capitalize the benefits and harvest newer possibilities of
revitalizing and empowering universities and colleges through
network ,
e-resources, online learning, archiving of contents etc. framing of
curricula, usage of I.C.T., interactive teaching learning, problem
solving sessions etc. will help in developing required abilities in
students. Interdisciplinary approach in teaching learning,
organization of seminars of students, assigning research projects to
students along with guidance etc. will enhance interest and
involvement of students in the subject. Visit to places related to
mathematics education, guidance about career after mathematics
education will ensure confidence among the students.
Indians have proved that they are one of
intellectual powerful democratic nation of the world. But still our
education system is not coping with the global moving trend. So we
need to fulfill above-mentioned challenges and opportunities. In
higher education we have competition with foreign universities. They
are well equipped with IT facilities and equipments to woo our
students. It is right time to do some research and development and
establish system to empower our teachers and students for
international competition.
References:
[1]
Mathematics Education: Wikipedia.
[2]
A
Model Research Proposal by Prof. Dilip Barad from google on topic
titled : ICT and Educational Community: Integrating ICT into
Teaching and Learning process to Empower and develop proficiency of
Teachers and students
[3]
Goals for School Mathematics: The Report of the Cambridge
Conference on School Mathematics 1963.