An Observational Study: The Approach to the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics in a Singapore Primary School

Education

Allotey, Princess

2020

Murray, Sarah (Mentor)

English

This observational study examined mathematics pedagogy in a primary school in Singapore. Background information was obtained from a review of literature on education in Singapore. The participants of the study were fifteen Grades 1 to 6 classes, their respective teachers, school administrators and mathematics education professors. Data was gathered on factors that might affect the students’ approach to the teaching and learning of mathematics, including the Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) available, and how mathematics is related to the students’ daily lives and culture. The school administrators and mathematics education professors interviewed provided information on programs and teaching practices that have been introduced to help students effectively explore mathematics and develop an interest in the subject. Findings showed that the school mostly incorporated activities (such as the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach) to motivate the students to further explore mathematics.