NEED AND IMPORTANCE OF MATHEMATICS LABORATORY

Mathematics laboratory is a place rich in manipulation materials to which children have ready access to handle them, perform mathematical experiments, play mathematical games, solve mathematical puzzles and getting involved in other activities. The laboratory approach allows pupil to set up mathematical experiment for the purpose of discovering some mathematical principles, patterns or process. These activities may be carried out by the teacher or the students to explore to learn, to stimulate interest and develop favorable attitudes towards mathematics. More involvement in the laboratory work helps in satisfying the creative and constructive urges of the students.

Mathematics laboratory is an activity centered place and a child is placed in problem solving situation through self exploration and discovery. He provides a solution based on his experience, needs and interest.
Some of the ways in which a mathematics laboratory can contribute to the learning of the subject are:-

1. It provides an opportunity to understand and analyse the basic mathematical concepts through concrete objects and situations.
2. It enables the students to verify or discover several geometrical properties and facts using models or by paper cutting and folding technique.
3. It helps the students to build interest and confidence in learning the subject.
4.The laboratory provides opportunity to exhibit the relatedness of mathematical concepts with every day life.
5.It provides greater scope for individual participation in the process of learning and becoming autonomous learners.
6.It provides scope for greater involvement of both the mind and the hand which facilitate cognition.
7.The laboratory allows and encourages students to think, discuss with each other and the teacher and assimilates the concepts in a more effective manner.
8.It enables the teacher to demonstrate, explain and reinforce abstract mathematical ideas by using concrete objects, models, charts, graphs, pictures, posters etc.
THE OBJECTIVES OF MATHEMATICS LABORATORY

To provide readily accessible rich manipulative materials to emphasis on "learning by doing".
1. To develop an attitude of enquiry.
2. Remove the weakness of present day mathematics education.
3. To develop much needed confidence in students.
4. To generate interest in the subject.
5. To make the students divergent thinkers.
6. To make the children to look for pattern and ask questions.