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CTET 8 Feb 2026 Paper 1, Question 31

Topic: Pedagogy of mathematics

Q31

Ms. Rajlakshmi, a primary class mathematics teacher brings in a variety of concrete material in her classroom like bundles of match sticks, ice cream sticks, coloured buttons, base 10 blocks etc. to teach the concept of place value.
Which of the following principles of theory of Zoltan P. Dienes is being used by her ?

  1. (1) Dynamic Principle
  2. (2) Iconic Mode
  3. (3) Perceptual Variability PrincipleCorrect answer
  4. (4) Mathematical Variability Principle

Solution.

CBSE answer: (3)

Answer: (3) Perceptual Variability Principle

  1. Dienes said one concept should be met through many different physical forms.
  2. Match sticks, ice cream sticks, buttons and base 10 blocks all show the same idea: place value.
  3. Seeing one structure in many materials helps the child pull out the common concept.

Trap: (4) Mathematical Variability changes the mathematical variables (for example the base), not the material.