The document provides an overview of a Mathematics Skill Development programme that aims to help children overcome their fear of mathematics and gain confidence in the subject. It does this by introducing problem-solving techniques using real-life examples to build a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and operations. The programme covers topics like algebra, geometry, measurement, numbers and arithmetic, probability, statistics and mathematical reasoning. It uses interactive booklets and CD-ROMs to explain examples at different levels of difficulty to develop logical and creative thinking skills.

1. Concept Note:
Mathematics Skill
Development
Programme
Siddharth Misra
This program helps children lose the fear of Mathematics
(by introducing them the concept of “Joyful
Mathematics”) and let them gain confidence in the
subject.
Saumitra
Lucknow
9838073306
5/2/2010

2. Concept Note: Mathematics Skill Development Programme
Contents
Mathematics Skill Development Programme ............................................................................................... 3
What is MatheMatics? .............................................................................................................................. 3
Importance of Mathematics: .................................................................................................................... 3
Problem of teaching mathematics at school level .................................................................................... 3
What is Mathematics Skill Development programme? ............................................................................ 4
Programme content .................................................................................................................................. 5
Topics ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
ALGEBRA ............................................................................................................................................... 5
GEOMETRY ............................................................................................................................................ 5
MEASUREMENT .................................................................................................................................... 5
NUMBER SYSTEM AND ARITHMETIC .................................................................................................... 5
PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS .............................................................................................................. 6
MATHEMATICAL REASONING ............................................................................................................... 6
Methodology ............................................................................................................................................. 6
MSD by Siddharth Misra Page 2

3. Concept Note: Mathematics Skill Development Programme
Mathematics Skill Development Programme
What is MatheMatics?
Mathematics is the science of problem-solving, reasoning rather than mugging up the formulae as
understood by the students at present. It’s about
Questioning Investigating Exploring
Thus it is foundation of the ability to reason.
Importance of Mathematics:
Today, a wide variety of disciplines require their students to have knowledge of certain mathematical
tools. Students of not only finance and marketing but also of biological science find that a firm
understanding of basic ideas in algebra and calculus is very essential for deriving the ground breaking
results in these fields.
Furthermore employers of major Information Technology companies use standard mathematics tests as
a screen for recruiting undergraduates and graduates regardless of their degree discipline.
Problem of teaching mathematics at school level
Studies conducted at the schools have revealed that there has been certain gap between school
textbook content and the actual learning that happens in the classroom. Further, a lot of teachers as
well as the parents have said that most of the children have found mathematics as one of the most
feared subjects to learn (and excel). Children on their parts complain that mathematics is boring and too
tough to understand. Not only that many of them just get scared by the name of this subject.
Now, we must agree to the fact that the goal of education should be to help students in learning the art
of ‘How-to-think-more-creatively’ by combining their creative thinking (to generate ideas) and critical
thinking (to evaluate ideas). Since, both modes of thinking are essential for a well-rounded productive
mind; our programme is all about on this concept only.
MSD by Siddharth Misra Page 3

4. Concept Note: Mathematics Skill Development Programme
What is Mathematics Skill Development programme?
MSD Program is aimed at developing the mental mathematics skill of children aged 12 years and above.
This program helps children lose the fear of Mathematics (by introducing them the concept of “Joyful
Mathematics”) and let them gain confidence in the subject. The focus is on teaching mathematical
topics through real-life problem-solving techniques which are characterised by 'helping them constructs
a much deeper understanding of mathematical operations and processes by engaging them in doing
mathematics:
exploring
some new
ways
developin testing
g those
curiosity ways
verifying
the
success of
such ways'
This unique programme helps them in their (otherwise tough) academics and encourages the
development of their logical capabilities. Thus, it also builds the child’s personality, enhances their IQ,
(Intelligence Quotient) and CQ (Creative Quotient), and makes the child more process oriented rather
than bookish formulae oriented.
more
IQ CQ process
oriented
It clearly targets to change the thought process behind problem solving which is formerly based only on
a cheat sheet of formulae rather than understanding of the concepts involved.
Class 6 and beyond
Age: 12 yrs. and above.
MSD by Siddharth Misra Page 4

5. Concept Note: Mathematics Skill Development Programme
Programme content
Problem-solving—the principal reason for studying mathematics: posing questions, analyzing,
translating and illustrating results, drawing diagrams, using trial and error, applying rules of logic,
recognizing relevant facts, subjecting conclusions to scrutiny.
Applying Math to Everyday Situations (real-life puzzles)—interrelated with all computation activities:
use everyday situations, translate them into math expressions, solve, interpret results in light of initial
situation, for example: Two-player Strategy Games
Estimation and Approximation(Vedic Math)—techniques for estimating quantity, length, distance,
weight, etc.; know when result is precise enough for purpose at hand.
Reading, Interpreting, and Constructing Tables, Charts, and Graphs—condense numerical information
into manageable/meaningful terms and use conclusions with simple tables, maps, charts, graphs.
Using Mathematics to Predict (probability)—elementary notions of probability to determine likelihood
of future events; identify immediate past experience that does not affect the likelihood of future events;
use math to help make predictions.
Topics
Pythagorean Theorem
ALGEBRA Geometric concepts, triangle inequality
theorem
Relationship between data
Prime and composite numbers MEASUREMENT
Linear functions
Solving one-step equations Unit conversions
Patterns and relationships Measurement - problems
Terms in an arithmetic sequence Temperature, elapsed time - problems
Variables, expressions, equations, Direct/indirect, standard/non-standard
inequalities units
Operations involving monomials and Estimates of measurements
polynomials Proportions to convert to equivalent
Problems involving quadratic equations measurements
GEOMETRY NUMBER SYSTEM AND ARITHMETIC
Simple geometric constructions Whole numbers - place value
Parallelism, perpendicularity, Decimals - place value
congruence Representation on a number line
Points on a coordinate grid Equivalent/improper fractions; mixed
Perimeter using grids numbers
Sketching transformations Compare and simplify fractions
Sketching transformations of congruent Decimals, percents and fractions
figures Powers, repeated multiplication
Problems on sum of angles LCM, GCF, ratios
Modeling 2-d and 3-d objects Order of operations
Polygons, triangles, quadrilaterals Multiplication/division - inverse
Lines of symmetry relationship
MSD by Siddharth Misra Page 5

6. Concept Note: Mathematics Skill Development Programme
Primes, factors, multiples, number MATHEMATICAL REASONING
sequences
Percents Mathematics in daily life
Ratio Steps in problem solving
Average Problem solving strategies
Tools to solve problems
PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS Tools to record observations
Informal and mathematical language
Possible outcomes, making predictions Make generalizations
Mean, median, mode, range Justify solutions
Collect/organize/graph data
Comparison of data sets
Methodology
Each topic will have one booklet with lots of example of problem solving strategies. Each topic’s
questions are broken down into four levels: easy, somewhat challenging, challenging, and very
challenging.
Also an interactive version of these booklets will be available on the CDROM.
MSD by Siddharth Misra Page 6