Teaching Mathematics with visual aids is really fun and interesting.
Teachers use visual aids to catch the attention of the pupils. Wise choice of instructional materials could maintain the alertness and interest of pupils during class hours. Pupils enjoy learning when they see real objects, pictures, and other forms of visual aids. They can relate easily to the lesson with the use of these. They can easily respond to the lesson especially if they can manipulate the teaching materials used. Displaying the visual aids and constantly seeing them can help the pupils master the skills.
It is said that in Mathematics, real objects are the best visual aids. There are so many skills in Mathematics that correlate with real objects. Using marbles, sticks and other materials in counting and in understanding the four fundamentals are some of these. The use of different objects like balls, handkerchief, and other real objects help pupils recognize shapes and sizes. Determining the area can be best taught through farms, floor and ceiling. Slicing cakes, fruits and others help them relate with fractions. There are varieties of visual aids in teaching Mathematics. They can choose and use different materials according to their creativeness.
Teachers must be very careful in making and in presenting visual aids. The materials should suit the teaching objectives and should carefully correlated with the techniques and methods that the teacher will use.
Here are some pointers to be considered in choosing and making visual aids:
(The Importance of Visual Aids in Teaching Mathematics)
* Visual aids must be big enough to be seen by everyone in the classroom. It should be seen even by the last pupil at the back.
* Visual aids should clearly explain and transmit the concepts and ideas.
* Visual aids should get everyone’s attention.
* Visual aids should be used according to the purpose it is intended for.
* Visual aids must be communicative. It can transmit the ideas the teacher wants to convey.
* Visual aids should be suited to the principles of teaching and learning.
The use of visual aids in teaching Mathematics plays a very important part in understanding the different skills. Just always remember that the effectiveness and the success of the visual aids as a tool in teaching depend on how the teacher manipulate and use it.
By: Josielyne F. Pragacha | Teacher III | Pantingan Elementary School | Pantingan, Pilar, Bataan
