Laboratory to help students overcome fear of mathematics

Indian students need not fear mathematics any longer. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has developed a new concept - a mathematics laboratory.

A circular has been sent to all CBSE-affiliated schools in the UAE to make the lab operational immediately. Schools have already started implementing the concept, said Madhav Rao, chairman of the Gulf CBSE.

"The concept was first conducted on an experimental level in just one school in India. It turned out to be a huge success.

"Results showed that by taking a pragmatic approach in teaching mathematics, students not only developed a liking for the subject but also showed good results in board examinations and maths Olympiads.

"The CBSE plans to provide training and resources to teachers. As far as assessment in examinations are concerned prominence will be given to internal assessment."

"The board recommends that all affiliated schools should immediately take necessary initiatives to start the mathematics laboratory for classes 3 to 8 and integrate the evaluation of practical competencies in mathematics to evaluate the subject," the circular states.

"The board intends to extend this as part of its internal, continuous and comprehensive evaluation at the secondary stage shortly."

"Given the fact that enormous academic resources are available in the country, the schools should tap local resources in developing a meaningful tool for concept development, pedagogy and evaluation.

"The board looks forward to fresh initiatives to make the learning of mathematics more purposeful, integrated and pragmatic."

New tool to foster critical thinking
* Eliminating the fear of learning mathematics.

* Studying math should be pragmatic.

* Improving teaching methods to enhance critical thinking.

* Linking maths with other subjects to develop interdisciplinary thinking.