Reflection on Day 1

Before the start of the course, I was wondering what will the lecturer teach us about maths. When Dr Yeap started the lesson with the spelling card trick, followed by the dice problem and paperclip game, I was so surprised and amazed to know that teaching mathematics can be done in an interesting, fun and creative ways. Deep in my heart, I wish that I was taught mathematics through this interesting, fun and creative ways. The first lesson really "open up" my mind to perceive teaching mathematics in a different way.  

The video clip that Dr Yeap showed us in the lesson, showed us how the children in the class used logical thinking process to find out the missing numbers of the dice. In the video clip, it also showed how the teacher (Dr Yeap, himself) was able to observed that some of the children were not able to find the answer to the problem and how he used differentiating instruction to guide one of the child to solve the problem.   

MOE Mathematics Syllabus mentioned the following points about teaching mathematics to students in Singapore: 

1. Mathematics is an excellent vehicle for the development and improvement of a person’s intellectual competence in logical reasoning, spatial visualisation, analysis and abstract thought.
2. Mathematics is also a subject of enjoyment and excitement which offers students opportunities for creative work and moments of enlightenment and joy.
3. These are valued not only in science and technology, but also in everyday living and in the workplace.

With these points in mind, teachers need to relook into the way mathematics are taught to children. Teachers should provide opportunity and encourage children to think, discuss their ideas, strategies and ask questions to find solutions to the problem tasked to them. Hands-on participation with variety of materials and manipulative is one way teachers can facilitate children's learning in mathematics concept just like how Dr Yeap used those creative games to let us understand that mathematics can be taught in a fun and creative ways.