EDU 05.7 Seminar [ GEOMETRIC SKILLS ]

 EDU: 05.7 PEDAGOIC CONTENT KNOWLEDGE ANALYSES

UNIT II

 ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TEACHING MATHEMATICS

Topic : Geometric skills

Geometry comes from the Greek word geōmetría meaning “Earth measurement” and is the visual study of shapes, size and patterns, and how they fit together in space.         Geometry an important branch of Mathematics, has a place in education for the        development of critical thinking and problem solving, furthermore, that geometrical shapes are parts of our lives as they appear almost everywhere, geometry is utilized in science and art as well. Most of the items that we mostly see and use in our environment are composed of geometrical shapes and objects. Utilizing these objects and shapes     efficiently depends on understanding the relations among them. We also make use of geometrical thoughts in solving problems (like painting, lining-wall etc.), in defining the space and running our profession as well. Geometrical shapes and objects are a part of our jobs and works. Making effective use of these objects depends on defining them and understanding the relation between the object and its duty.

Geometry has an important role in developing students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students start to understand and express the world around them by means of geometry and they analyze and solve the problems. They can also express from the     perspective of the shapes to understand the abstract symbols better.Within this context, they can understand the shapes around them and can set up connection between daily life and mathematics.

Geometric skills mainly include five categories.

• Thorough familiarity with and effective use of geometric instruments.
• Skill for drawing figures according to specifications.
• Determining measures of length, angles etc. with the help of appropriate instruments.
• Making free hand drawings of geometrical shapes with the help of appropriate instruments.
• Designing and drawing beautiful geometric patterns.

1) Thorough familiarity with and effective use of geometric instruments.

Each mathematical instrument has a specific purpose for which it has to be used in tune with its special feature. For example the protractor has to be got familiarized with respect to the zero points at the ends and in the middle, the compasses have to be thoroughly familiarized with, by noting the precautions for fixing up the pencil, etc. The use of these instruments during appropriate situations also has to be learned. This is important       especially during their early stage of introduction. Along with this precautions to be taken while using them have to be understood. For example, placing the protractor so that the edge connecting the zero points coincides exactly with the base line from where angular measurements have to be taken. Also placing the protractor (for measuring an angle) in such a way that the middle point of the base of the protractor coincides with the vertex of the angle being measured. Similar precautions can be taken only if the        instruments are clearly familiarized these points have to be highlighted by the teacher while introducing the instruments and using them in concrete cases. The significance of such precautions has to be explained also.

2. Skill for drawing figures according to specifications.

The only thing is that the principles involved in what is being drawn should be known, especially when the drawing is complex. For example while drawing the circumcircle of a triangle a number of principles have to be remembered. Otherwise the circum circle may not be a real circumcircle, which includes very precisely the corners of the triangle. Along with this, the skill of handling the          instruments properly is also required. Model performance by the teacher to be initiated is a must as already shown in the case of computational skills.

3. Determining measures of length, angles etc. with the help of appropriate instruments.

This needs no elaborate explanations. Thorough knowledge of using appropriate      instruments like scale, protractor etc. for determining the measures of lengths, angles etc. is an essential skill for a math teacher.

4. Making free hand drawings of geometrical shapes with the help of appropriate       instruments.

Say for proving a theorem a teacher will have to make free hand drawings. The more precise the drawing, it will be easier to get an insight into the procedure for arriving at the result. Imagine that a right angle drawn is extremely obtuse or acute, misconceptions may arise and will add to the difficulty felt by the leaner concerned. This sub skill can be improved by guidance, imitation and practice through reinforced repetition.

5. Designing and drawing beautiful geometric patterns.

In order to provide facility for appreciating the beauty of mathematics, geometrical patterns play a significant role. By combining parts of various shapes, fascinating patterns could be designed. This will help in fostering creativity as well as in creating a sense of appreciation of the so called ‘dry’ subject.

Reference

_ Aggarwal, J. C.(2001). Principles Methods & Techniques of Teaching (2nd ed.). 

     New Delhi: Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.

_ James, A. (2005). Teaching of Mathematics.New Delhi: Neelkamal Publications. Pvt.Ltd.

_ https://www.wikipedia.org/