Meaning, Nature, Importance of Mathematics and Values of Teaching Mathematics

1. Teaching Mathematics
(Meaning, Nature & Values)
Dr.G.Jaganmohana Rao
Faculty of Education
MITE, Kohima

2. Etymological Meaning:
The term “Mathematics” is derived from two Greek words:
‘Manthanein’ means ‘learning’ & ‘Techne’ means ‘an art (or)
technique’, i.e Mathematics means the art of learning related to
disciplines (or) facilities.
Mathematics
Techne
An art/Technique
Mathanein
Learning

3. Definitions:
Kant: “Mathematics is the indispensable instrument of all physical
resources.”
C.F.Gauss: “Mathematics is the queen of science and Arithmetic is the
queen of all Mathematics.”
Bacon: “Mathematics is the gateway and key to all science.”
The dictionary meaning of Mathematics is that, “It is the science of
number (or) space” (OR) “The science of measurement, quantity and
magnitude”

4. Nature of Mathematics:
1. It is a science of number and space
2. It has its own language in terms of signs, symbols, operations etc.
3. It helps in drawing conclusions & interpreting various ideas and themes.
4. It is suited for dealing with abstract concept of any kind.
5. It helps to solve problems of daily life.
6. It is a science of Discovery
7. It is the subject of logical sequence
8. It is the science of precision & accuracy
9. It deals with generalization and classification
10. Its learning always proceeds from simple to complex.

5. General Aims in Teaching Mathematics:
• To enable the students to solve mathematical problems of daily life.
• To enable the students to understand the contribution of mathematics to the
development of culture and civilisation.
• To develop thinking and reasoning power of the students.
• To prepare a sound foundation needed for various vocations. Mathematics is
needed in various professions such as those of engineers, bankers, scientists,
accountants, statisticians etc.
• To prepare the child for further learning in mathematics and the related fields.
School mathematics should also aim at preparing him for higher learning in
mathematics.
• To develop in the child desirable habits and attitudes like habit of hard work, self-
reliance, concentration and discovery.
• To give the child an insight into the relationship of different topics and branches of
the subject.
• To develop in the child rational and scientific attitude towards life.

6. Importance of Mathematics in daily life:
• It is good for the brain
• It promotes wisdom
• It helps to develop the ability to thinking and regioning
• It helps you with your finances/budget
• Better problem-solving skills
• Every career uses mathematics
• Helps you understand the world better
• Time management and discipline
• It can make you more popular
• It is a universal language
• Mathematics in Our Everyday Life

7. Useful Links:
http://jaganedn.blogspot.com
https://www.slideshare.net/JAGANMOHANARAO5

8. Values in teaching of Mathematics.
Utilitarian Value
Disciplinary Value
Intellectual Value
Cultural Value
Moral Value
Aesthetic Value
Social Value
Recreational Value
International Value
Vocational Value

9. Utilitarian Value: One cannot do without the use of fundamental
processes of this subject in daily life. A common man can get on
sometimes very well without learning how to read and write, but he can
never pull on without learning how to count and calculate. The
knowledge of its fundamental processes and the skill to use them are
the preliminary requirements of a human being these days.
Cultural Value: The understanding of the world in which we live, of the
civilization to which we belong and of the culture of which we are very
profound, requires the understanding of scientific ands social principles
the development of which he depends, in turn, upon mathematics
principles. It has been truly said that “Mathematics is the mirror of
civilization.” Mathematics has got its cultural value, and this value is
steadily increasing day by day. It helped man to overcome difficulties in
the way of his progress.

10. Social Value: Mathematics plays an important role in the organization
and maintenance of our social structure. Society is the result of the
inter-relations of individuals. It consists of big and small groups within
each group. Mathematics enables us to understand the inter-relations
of individuals and the possibilities of various groups.
Recreational Value: Mathematics as a subject has also lots of scope
of recreational activities. Mathematics leads in developing of different
interest and habits which further leads for recreational activities. It also
help in planning different leisure time games, healthy practices,
managing a function, planning a trip, field study, etc.
Disciplinary Value: Mathematics has also to be taught for its
disciplinary and intellectual value. It has to aim at providing training to
the mind of the learner and developing intellectual habits in them.
Mathematical knowledge is exact, real and pure. It trains and
disciplines the mind. It develops powers of reasoning and thinking, and
reduces reliance on rote memory.

11. Intellectual Value: Mathematics has introduced us to new ways of
thinking and reasoning. Scientific knowledge helps to sharpen our
intellect & promotes intellectual honesty.
Aesthetic Value: Knowledge of mathematics develops in man a
passion for truth & thus he has a passion for beauty. The English Poet
Keats has said, “Truth is Beauty.” Science is basically unfolding of the
mysteries of nature & nature is a store house of all the beautiful
things.
Vocational Value: In present age all the vocation need the knowledge
of mathematics more ever there are large no of vocations for which
study of mathematics is compulsory requirement.
Moral Value: Knowledge of mathematics develops in us truthfulness
& reasoning. These qualities are desirable in all human beings. These
qualities make the life worth living. This could be possible with the
teaching of mathematics.