Mathematics Instruction
From APEC HRDWG Wiki
Mathematics instruction varies considerably across the APEC economies and APEC members can learn from each other to strengthen instruction in the mathematics field. The major APEC study to strengthen instruction is about Lesson Study a widely-respected Japanese practice to strengthen the quality of teaching. Consistent with the Japanese emphasis on quality throughout their society, Classroom Innovations through Lesson Study is a thoughtful process for continuously improving instruction through careful lesson planning and external observation and critique of lessons by a teacher's peers or experts. Video examples of lessons show the presentation of different mathematical topics in a number of APEC members including high-performers on international assessments.
Singapore Math is a curriculum which at the primary grades has generated considerable interest among APEC Western members because of Singapore's high performance on international assessments and the availability of Singapore mathematics textbooks in English. A comparative study of mathematics in Singapore and the U.S. showed how Singapore works well because it consists of an aligned system of high-quality mathematics standards, a focused curriculum, trained teachers, and rigorous assessments compared with the U.S. mathematics program.[1] Singapore's bar model approach represents an effective visual way for students to translate complex mathematics word problems into visual representations that are readily expressed in mathematical terms.
- ↑ Ginsburg, Alan and Steven Leinwand. 2005. What the United States Can Learn From Singapore’s World-Class Mathematics System (and what Singapore can learn from the United States): An Exploratory Study. Available at http://www.air.org/files/Singapore_Report_Bookmark_Version1.pdf
