Which of the following is a desirable teaching-learning practice in the context of Mathematics ?

The correct answer is Intuitive understanding of concepts should be encouraged.

Explanation:

In mathematics education, developing an intuitive understanding of concepts helps students make sense of abstract ideas, explore patterns, and build strong problem-solving skills rather than relying solely on rote memorization.

Let's analyze the given options:

1. "Open ended questions should be avoided to prevent confusion." - Incorrect. Open-ended questions promote critical thinking, creativity, and multiple approaches to problem-solving in mathematics.

2. "Intuitive understanding of concepts should be encouraged." - Correct. Encouraging mathematical intuition allows learners to connect concrete experiences with abstract symbols and foster deeper conceptual understanding.

3. "Open book tests should be avoided." - Incorrect. Open-book assessments focus on higher-order thinking and application of concepts rather than mere recall.

4. "Students should be told to follow the prescribed steps of solving problems." - Incorrect. Rigidly forcing prescribed steps restricts mathematical inquiry and algorithmic fluency.