Understanding Objectives of Mathematics Education

Mathematics education aims to equip children with various skills and understandings that are essential for their cognitive development and practical life. The objectives of teaching mathematics are broad and encompass more than just numerical calculations. They focus on developing a mathematical way of thinking and approaching problems.

Analysing Potential Mathematics Objectives

Let's look at the given options and consider whether they align with commonly accepted objectives of mathematics education:

• Option 1: to develop logical thinking among the children.

  Developing logical thinking is a fundamental objective of mathematics. Maths involves reasoning, proving, and following sequential steps, which naturally fosters logical thinking skills. This is a widely accepted goal of mathematics education.

• Option 2: developing higher-order thinking skills by developing the tendency of competition among children.

  Developing higher-order thinking skills (like problem-solving, analysis, and evaluation) is indeed a crucial objective in mathematics. However, achieving this specifically by developing a "tendency of competition" among children is generally NOT considered a primary or healthy objective. Modern pedagogical approaches often emphasize collaboration, understanding, and individual progress rather than fostering intense competition, which can sometimes be detrimental to learning and confidence.

• Option 3: children understanding the basic order of mathematics- i.e. arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

  Understanding the structure and progression of mathematical concepts, such as the typical sequence from arithmetic to algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, helps children build a coherent understanding of the subject. While the exact order might vary or overlap in curriculum design, understanding these core branches and their relationships is part of building a strong mathematical foundation. This can be considered an objective.

• Option 4: making maths a part of children's life experience.

  Connecting mathematics to real-life situations and experiences is a key objective. This helps children see the relevance and utility of mathematics beyond the classroom, making the subject more engaging and meaningful. This objective is crucial for applying mathematical knowledge in practical contexts.

Identifying What is NOT a Mathematics Objective

Based on the analysis, fostering a strong tendency of competition among children, even in the pursuit of higher-order thinking skills, is generally not listed as a desirable objective of mathematics education. While some healthy competition might exist in certain activities, making it a primary method for developing thinking skills is questionable from an educational standpoint focused on holistic development and understanding for all students.

Therefore, the option that does NOT typically represent an objective of mathematics is the one that promotes developing a strong tendency of competition.