Saturday 10 August 2013

Teaching Mathematics in the 21st Century

Mathematics. A subject dreaded by many adults. What they fail to understand is that learning mathematics is an important lifeskill. It is through math that we learn to construct, modify and also integrate new information. It is important for adults to be aware that their attitudes towards mathematics may enhance or detract from students’ ability to do math. While it is a known fact that the mathematics ability is not inherited, it is also important to know that anyone can learn mathematics.

There are six Principles and Standards  for School Mathematics to ensure excellence in mathematics education:

1. Equity: high expectation and strong support. All students must have the opportunity and support.
2. Curriculum: coherent, focused and well articulated
3. Teaching: understanding what students know and need to learn. This will then allow for proper support or challenge to be given to the students.
4. Learning: learn with understanding, actively building new knowledge from experience and prior knowledge.
5. Assessment: not merely done to students but FOR students. It will act as a guide and helps enhance learning.
6. Technology: essential as it influences and enhances children’s learning.  


A teacher plays an important role in shaping what is Mathematics to young children. A teacher’s attitude towards mathematics will greatly influence the young children’s math experience. A teacher will need to adopt and acquire the following standards when teaching mathematics: knowledge of mathematics, persistence, a positive attitude, readiness for change and reflective disposition

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