The Singapore Ministry of Education developed this graphic to represent their philosophy for teaching mathematics. As you can see, problem solving is at the center. Each time a new concept is introduced in the Singapore textbooks, problem solving is central to the discussion. It is surrounded by five inter-related elements:
- Skills - such as estimation, mental calculation; use of mathematical tools; numerical & algebraic calculation; data analysis
- Concepts - numerical, analytical, algebraic, geometrical, statistical concepts are connected and interdependent
- Processes - reasoning, communication, making connections, thinking skills, application & modeling are necessary for aquiring and applying mathematical knowledge
- Metacognition - thinking about one's own thinking & monitoring one's own learning
- Attitudes - building enthusiasm, confidence, perseverance, appreciation & interest
Students are encouraged to consider how they think about math, communicate mathematically, and solve problems all in an effort to help them apply these skills to new problems that they may be faced with in math class and beyond.
