Effective Mathematics Lessons through an Eclectic Singapore Approach

Yearbook 2015, Association of Mathematics Educators

With this seventh volume, as part of the series of yearbooks by the Association of Mathematics Educators in Singapore, we aim to provide a range of learning experiences and teaching strategies that mathematics teachers can judiciously select and adapt in order to deliver effective lessons to their students at the primary to secondary level. Our ultimate goal is to develop successful problem solvers who are able to understand concepts, master fundamental skills, reason logically, apply mathematics, enjoy learning, and strategise their thinking. These qualities will prepare students for life-long learning and careers in the 21st century.

The materials covered are derived from psychological theories, education praxis, research findings, and mathematics discourse, mediated by the author's professional experiences in mathematics education in four countries over the past four decades. They are organised into ten chapters aligned with the Singapore mathematics curriculum framework to help teachers and educators from Singapore and other countries deepen their understanding about the so-called "Singapore Maths".

The book strikes a balance between mathematical rigour and pedagogical diversity, without rigid adherence to either. This is relevant to the current discussion about the relative roles of mathematics content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge in effective teaching. It also encourages teachers to develop their own philosophy and teaching styles so that their lessons are effective, efficient, and enjoyable to teach.

Contents:

• Curriculum: Map the Intended, Implemented, and Attained Landscape
• Concepts: Build Meanings and Connections
• Skills: Use Rules Efficiently
• Processes: Sharpen Mathematical Reasoning and Heuristic Use
• Applications: View the World Through Mathematical Lenses
• ICT: Be Its Prudent Master
• Attitudes: Energise Learning with Emotional Power
• Metacognition: Strategic Use of Cognitive Resources
• School Curriculum: Prepare Thoughtful Plans
• Professional Development: Become Metacognitive Teachers

Readership: Graduate students, researchers, practitioners and teachers in mathematics.
Key Features:

• First, there is currently no mathematics methodology text that provides significant insights about learning and teaching based on the Singapore mathematics curriculum, yet supported by international perspectives and literature
• This fills a gap in the market about Singapore Maths, which has attracted much attention from overseas educators
• Second, the teaching strategies discussed in the book are based on theories, research, and professional practices, and they satisfy the needs of both practitioners and researchers, hence widening the readership of the book
• Finally, the author writes from the vintage point of having taught mathematics education and conducted research in Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Singapore and consulted with education institutes in Chile, Hong Kong, the Philippines and the US. This diverse experience allows the author to discuss mathematics education issues from an East-meets-West perspective