AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF MATHEMATICS
Aims means goal, the target where we are to reach. Objectives are the
ways and means of achieving the aims in a more practical and definite
ways. The aims of teaching mathematics may thus be broken into some
specify objectives for providing definite learning experiences.
GENERAL AIMS OF TEACHING MATHEMATICS –
1. To enable the child to solve the mathematical problems.
2. To provide a suitable type of discipline in the mind of the learners.
3. To prepare the child for various technical profession.
4. To prepare the child for economic purposeful, productive, creative,
and constructive living.
5. To prepare the child for elementary as well as higher education.
6. To develop in the power of thinking and reasoning.
7. To develop in the child the habit of concentration, self-reliance and
discovery.
8. To discover in him a scientific attitude to life.
AIMS OF TEACHING MATHEMATIC AT THE ELEMENTARY LEVEL –
1. To provide a good start in learning mathematics.
2. To provide a clarity about fundamental concept and processes of
mathematics.
3. To create in pupil and enduring interest in the subject and to
develop a love for it.
4. To develop in pupil a taste and confidence for mathematics.
5. To develop in pupil accuracy and efficiency in fundamental
processes.
6. To acquaint pupil with the relation of mathematic to their present
as well as their future life.
7. To develop in them the habit such as regularity, practice, patience,
self-reliance, and hard work.
8. To prepare the pupil for learning those subjects which are
intimately related with mathematics.
9. To acquaint pupil with fundamental language and symbolism.
10. To prepare the pupil for learning of mathematics of higher
classes.
11. To initiate and develop required discipline in the learner’s
mind.
AIMS OF TEACHING MATHEMATICS AT ENTIRE SCHOOL LEVEL –
1. UTILITARIAN AIM – Mathematics will be taught primarily for its
practical values and aims. The student will be given mathematical
knowledge and skills needed in his day-to-day life and enabled to make
use of that knowledge and skill. This aim makes the study of mathematics
functional and purposeful and establishes relation between the subject
and practical life.
2. DISCIPLINARY AIM - The subject has also to be taught for its
disciplinary and intellectual values. It has to aim at providing training to
the mind of the learner and developing intellectual habits in him.
3. CULTURAL AIM – This aim helps the learner to understand the
contribution of mathematics in the development of civilization and
culture. It has enabled him to understand the role of mathematics in fine
arts and in beautifying human life.
4. ADJUSTMENT AIM – It is to help the learner to develop a healthy,
purposeful, productive, exploratory and controlling adjustment with
environment.
5. SOCIAL AIM – It is to help the learner to imbibe essential social virtues.
6. MORAL AIMS – It enables the learners to imbibe the attributes of
morality.
7. AESTHETIC AIM – It is to develop their aesthetic sensibilities, meet
their varying interests and help them in the proper utilization of their
leisure time.
8. INTERNATIONAL AIM – To develop in them international outlook and
understanding.
9. VOCATIONAL AIM – It is to prepare them for technical and other
vocations where mathematics is applied.
10. INTER-DISCIPLINARY AIM – To give them insight into the application
of mathematics in other subjects.
11. SELF-EDUCATION AIM – It is to help them to become independent in
learning.
12. EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION AIM - It is to prepare them for higher
education in sciences, engineering, technology, etc.
13. DEVELOPMENT OF POWERS AIM - It pertains to the development of
powers of thinking, reasoning, concentration, expression, discovery, etc.
14. HARMONIOUS DEVELOPMENT AIM - Ultimately the overall aim of
teaching all the subjects including mathematics is to ensure all-round
and harmonious development of the personality of the child.
OBJECTIVES OF TEACHING AT THE ENTIRE SCHOOL STAGE
The objectives of teaching mathematics at the entire school stage or
secondary stage may be classified as-
a. Knowledge and understanding objectives
b. Skill objectives
c. Application objectives.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OBJECTIVES
The students acquires knowledge and understanding of-
1. Language of Mathematics, i.e. the language of its technical terms,
symbols, statements, formulae, definitions, logic, etc.
2. Various Concepts, i.e., concept of number, concept of direction,
concept of measurement.
3. Mathematical Ideas, like facts, principles, processes and
relationships.
4. The development of the subject over the centuries and
contributions of mathematicians.
5. Inter- relationship between different branches and topics of
mathematics, etc.
6. The nature of the subject of mathematics.
SKILL OBJECTIVES
The subject helps the student to develop the following skills-
1. He acquires and develops skill in the use and understanding of
mathematical language.
2. He acquires and develops speed, neatness, accuracy, brevity and
precision in mathematical calculations.
3. He learns and develops technique of problem-solving.
4. He develops the ability to estimate, check and verify results.
5. He develops the ability to perform calculations orally and mentally.
6. He develops ability to think correctly, to draw conclusions,
generalisations and inferences.
7. He develops skills to use mathematical tools, and apparatuses.
8. He develops essential skill in drawing geometrical figures.
9. He develops skill in drawing, reading, interpreting graphs and
statistical tables.
10. He develops skill in measuring, weighing and surveying.
11. He develops skill in the use of mathematical tables and ready
references.
APPLICATION OBJECTIVES
The subject helps the student to apply the above mentioned knowledge
and skills in the following ways –
1. He is able to solve mathematical problems independently
2. He make use of mathematical concepts and processes in everyday
life.
3. He develops ability to analyse, to draw inferences and to generalize
from collected data and evidence.
4. He can think and express precisely, exactly and systematically by
making proper use of mathematical language.
5. He develops the ability to use mathematical knowledge in the
learning of other subjects especially sciences.
6. He develops the students’ ability to apply mathematics in his future
vocational life.
