Ramachandran, A.
(2016)
Middle school mathematics : some reflections.
At Right Angles, 5 (3).
pp. 39-41.
ISSN 2582-1873
Abstract
Middle school maths is a convenient phrase used in textbook
titles and faculty meetings and workshops for teachers.
How do we distinguish the above from primary school
maths, high school maths or higher secondary school maths? Primary
level maths deals mostly with computation, whether it is with whole
numbers or with fractions-and-decimals. Of course, a certain level of
conceptualization takes place, but the emphasis is on drill and practice
work so that the student will be able to calculate quickly and not get
bogged down or daunted by numbers. One is trained to do the four
basic operations with whole numbers as well as fractions and decimals.
High school maths involves a good degree of abstraction, a lot of the
content appearing to be far removed from daily life. Middle school
maths in contrast is fairly grounded in the direct experience of students.
There is less repetitive practice. It involves seeing patterns which can
simplify situations and provide quicker pathways to solutions.
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