"Maths is the queen of sciences", said once the Prince of Mathematicians, Carl Freidreich Gauss. Being the queen, the subject is not accessible to all but a few who are very close to her. Many are in awe of the subject. The magic of producing numbers and shapes and relationships have led to an unknown fear amongst some of us. This has led many cultures to believe that is even a sort of black magic. This esoteric subject is believed to be accessible to the fortunate few and barred from the rest.
Not any more. Many successful mathematicians and teachers have broken that myth and created pathways of learning that make this beautiful subject appreciable by everyone. Demonstrations in Maths focuses on dispelling myths related to the subject, creating interest in the subject, nurture mathematical skills, develop mathematical intuition through exploratory approach. It also helps in some measure to remove the difficulty of abstraction that is associated with the subject by providing a concrete approach.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Science through Activities
Sciences are considered to be the jewel of knowledge as they have immensely helped mankind and has been instrumental in the way we live today. Their importance lies in the fact that sciences are quantitative subjects. They help us control the environment in which we live. Further, study of sciences has led to development of an approach - scientific method consisting of observation, experimentation, model building and idealisation (theory) - that has survived the test of time.
It is known that there are three modes of learning. These are auditory, visual and kinaesthetic. The last one, is usually neglected and is left for the learner to decide its use. The lack of kinaesthetic approach has led to many a misunderstanding and a deep rooted misconception in some of the concepts. Also, some of us are quick to appreciate a concept being taught/learnt when we use the kinaesthetic approach. It is relevant here to remind ourselves of the Multiple Intelligence theory. This theory not only helps identify the strengths of an individual it also helps in suggesting and even dictating the fastest learning style of the individual.
The science demonstrations conducted by BrainSTARS (SEED Programme) will cover most of the concepts taught in the various levels (standards III - XII). These demonstrations help clarify concepts using simple, easily available materials. Many of the experiments have been designed to show the surprising behaviour thus creating a lot of curiosity in the children.
It is known that there are three modes of learning. These are auditory, visual and kinaesthetic. The last one, is usually neglected and is left for the learner to decide its use. The lack of kinaesthetic approach has led to many a misunderstanding and a deep rooted misconception in some of the concepts. Also, some of us are quick to appreciate a concept being taught/learnt when we use the kinaesthetic approach. It is relevant here to remind ourselves of the Multiple Intelligence theory. This theory not only helps identify the strengths of an individual it also helps in suggesting and even dictating the fastest learning style of the individual.
The science demonstrations conducted by BrainSTARS (SEED Programme) will cover most of the concepts taught in the various levels (standards III - XII). These demonstrations help clarify concepts using simple, easily available materials. Many of the experiments have been designed to show the surprising behaviour thus creating a lot of curiosity in the children.
MindMaping
Research in brain sciences has revealed many facets of our thinking process. This has led us to consider the seat of creative processes in the brain. Mr. Tony Buzan and Mr. de Bono have created methods, powerful approaches, and exercises that help make this into a habit of an individual. Understanding the patterns of neuron connections that form the memory and hence knowledge in us has led to identification of a form of thinking known as radial thinking. This form when penned on paper is known as mindmapping. These days you can download a free software (freemind) to do the same on the computer.
All of us have random thoughts but mindmaps help organise them enabling structured thinking. This has been proven to be of great help to clarify concepts, ideas and their interrelationships for one and all in the classroom setting. This then must help students as the pedagogical skills of a teacher is greatly enhanced after they are trained to practice their learning in this form of thinking.
All of us have random thoughts but mindmaps help organise them enabling structured thinking. This has been proven to be of great help to clarify concepts, ideas and their interrelationships for one and all in the classroom setting. This then must help students as the pedagogical skills of a teacher is greatly enhanced after they are trained to practice their learning in this form of thinking.
Multiple Intelligence Theory
Intelligence is defined as the potential of an individual. It encompasses all levels of existence - our body and mind. Dr Howard Gardner, in a ground breaking work identified seven different intelligences. These are Math-Logical, Verbal-Linguistic, Body-Kiinaesthetic, Visual Spatial, Interpersonal, Natural, Musical.
Each of us are endowed with all these intelligences in some measure. Some more and or some less. BrainSTARS' Programme aims to identify individuals' (teachers and parents) strengths and create awareness among them and also to help identify the same in their children during classroom/other sessions. Furthermore, activities conducted during the programme and other suggested activities should help teachers utilise it in classroom training sessions to identify, develop and nurture them on a long term basis in a child.
Each of us are endowed with all these intelligences in some measure. Some more and or some less. BrainSTARS' Programme aims to identify individuals' (teachers and parents) strengths and create awareness among them and also to help identify the same in their children during classroom/other sessions. Furthermore, activities conducted during the programme and other suggested activities should help teachers utilise it in classroom training sessions to identify, develop and nurture them on a long term basis in a child.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sci Fest 2010
Sci Fest 2010: "Wanna know how stuff works?
Wanna know why are the things the way they are?
Come and have a gala time with fun-filled activities based on science and mathematics ..."
Contact: Brainstars at 080 2658 4118
Wanna know why are the things the way they are?
Come and have a gala time with fun-filled activities based on science and mathematics ..."
Contact: Brainstars at 080 2658 4118
Recently, I read this:
'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'
But, I cannot agree with it. Should it be not:
"Those who can, do. Those who can't preach."
Most of us use 'teach' and 'preach' probably interchangeably and is the cause for confusion. To set it right probably we should define
Preach: Those who expect their version of the stories to be heard without any questioning.
Teach: Those who accept the version of stories told to them allowing every question in the ongoing process.
Probably the words mentioned in italics is the source of misconception for the statement which we started with.
'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'
But, I cannot agree with it. Should it be not:
"Those who can, do. Those who can't preach."
Most of us use 'teach' and 'preach' probably interchangeably and is the cause for confusion. To set it right probably we should define
Preach: Those who expect their version of the stories to be heard without any questioning.
Teach: Those who accept the version of stories told to them allowing every question in the ongoing process.
Probably the words mentioned in italics is the source of misconception for the statement which we started with.
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