AROUSING AND

MAINTAINING INTEREST
IN MATHEMATICS
(PRINCIPLES OF
MEANINGFUL
LEARNING)
VANESSA P SUMAGANG
MS MATH
LOSS OF INTEREST
- one of the principal causes of student failure.
MATHEMATICS STUDENTS

- work effectively at tasks in

which they are genuinely
interested.
- readily become interested
in things which are new and
exciting, for which they can
perceive practical values
and which involve puzzle
elements or elements of
mystery.
STUDENTS’ WORK
- should present a continual
challenge, which should be a
challenge in the real sense and not
merely drudgery at meaningless,
difficult tasks.
PRIMARY STIMULI FOR THE
AWAKENING OF INTEREST

- elements of novelty,
usefulness, and sheer
intellectual curiosity.
THREE MOTIVES OF
INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES

- thirst for knowledge;

- love of truth and beauty;

- and desire to interpret and

control environment.
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
SHOULD ENABLE STUDENTS
TO

- apply mathematics to other fields of

study;

- apply mathematics to professional

fields;
- realize the practical values, cultural
values, and recreational values of
mathematics.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
CONDITIONS FOR STUDY
▶ Proceed systematically
▶ Avoid unnecessary
distractions and and thoroughly
interruptions. ▶ Analyze difficulties

▶ Cultivate concentration. ▶Learn accurately the

▶ Keep the mind alert. fundamentals
▶ Develop self-confidence ▶ Clarify thought by
writing
▶ Practice critical thinking
▶ Verify results
▶ Be prepared for
discussion
 MEANINGFUL LEARNING

▶ that learning which is oriented

towards good experiences and
outcomes.
▶ must ensure positive results.

▶ constructive, productive, purposeful

and progressive in nature.
 PRINCIPLES OF MEANINGFUL
LEARNING

▶ Interest and
attention ▶ Proper attitude
▶ Definite aim
▶ Proper methods
▶ Principle of utility
▶ Correlation
(need-based)
▶ Importance of ▶ Proper use of
learning activities mental faculties
▶ Motivation ▶ Law of exercise
 PURPOSES OF A MATHEMATICS
CLUB
▶ It can provide a forum to those interested in
mathematics for mathematical activities

▶ The students get opportunities of

mathematical hobbies, recreational
mathematics, mathematical projects,
mathematical games, mathematical
discussions and debates, and
mathematical innovations.
 PURPOSES OF A MATHEMATICS
CLUB
▶ The club will be a
medium of developing ▶ Its activities will relate
students’ interest in the knowledge with activity
subject. and life.

▶ It will provide to the students an opportunity of

listening to experts and teachers from outside.
▶ They can be invited through this agency
to address the students on different
topics.
 PURPOSES OF MATHEMATICS
CLUB
▶ imitates and develops
mathematical expressions among
th▶
e sItucdaennbtse. an agency for providing intra-school and
inter-school mathematical competitions.
▶ It can organize excursions and
visits of mathematical value.
▶ It can provide an opportunity of
extra-reading of mathematics and
reading of general mathematical
literature.
 PURPOSES OF MATHEMATICS
CLUB
▶ can be an agency to prepare
and display mathematical
illustrations.
▶ It can help in the decoration and
equipment of the mathematics room of
laboratory.
▶ It will be a medium of exchange of
mathematical information, experiences,
experiment and innovations.
 PURPOSES OF MATHEMATICS
CLUB
▶ It will provide to the students
opportunities of organizing various
activities and thus develop their
organizing ability.
▶ It will provide to some the
opportunity of leadership and to
many the opportunities of
cooperation, joint responsibility
and active participation.
 PURPOSES OF MATHEMATICS
CLUB
▶ can arrange mathematical filmstrip
shows and film shows for its
members.
▶ It can look after the
mathematics section of the
school magazine.
▶ It can cooperate with other societies
in the school for various functions.
 ACTIVITIES OF THE CLUB
▶ Mathematical games, hobbies, projects,
experiment, data collection, discussions, debates,
and innovations.
▶ Lessons and lectures by
prominent teachers from
outside.
▶ Lectures by experts of allied
subjects and professions.
▶ Organizing mathematical
competitions.
 ACTIVITIES OF THE CLUB
▶ Organizing excursions
and visits of mathematical
value.
▶ Preparing
mathematical aids and
illustrations.
▶ Decorating and equipping
mathematics room and
laboratory.
▶ Organizing general and
extra-reading in mathematics.
ACTIVITIES OF THE CLUB
▶ Arranging mathematical shows, exhibits Etc
▶ Mathematical article for the school magazine
▶ Relating the teaching of mathematics with other subjects, life
activities and environment
ACTIVITIES OF THE CLUB
▶ Looking after the interests of the subject
▶ Collaboration with other clubs and societies in the school
functions.
EVALUATION
▶ How will you create interest in the teaching of mathematics in the
existing conditions in schools?
▶ Mathematics is considered a dull and dreary subject. What steps
would you take to counteract this impression?
▶ What do you understand by meaningful learning in mathematics
and what are the various principles of meaningful learning?