Chapter 2

Mathematics requires effort. One need to generate strategies, apply the approaches, see if it leads to solutions and check it the answers make sense. Somehow, I feel that trial and error method can be applicable too in mathematics.

Jean Piaget believed that learners construct their own learning. And to construct or build something, one requires tools, materials and effort. Here are some concrete mateirals that children can work with when exploring mathematical concepts. Alternatively, teacher can also come up with tteir own teacher made materials.

Listening, copying, memorizing, drilling and compute are lower thinking activities that do not adequately prepare students for real act of doing mathematics. The environment setup plays a very important role. It should be inviting and ample opportunities are provided which allows children to be actively engaged and explore with materials. Teachers also play a role as facilitator to scaffold children’s learning.

Above all, there are benefits of developing mathematical proficiency in children. Some benefits to mathematical proficiency are enhancing problem solving abilities, improved attitudes and beliefs, increased in memory to retrieve information and connect concept to entire web of ideas.