Teacher Training on Singapore Secondary School Mathematics Approach and Methodology
On Saturday March 28 2009, I attend a Seminar in Santika Hotel, Jakarta. The
Seminar held by Mentari Books, which Lazuardi Junior High chooses to be used for Math subject.This Seminar talks about how Singapore Government arranges the Mathematics Curriculum for all education levels in Singapore.
The Seminar is presented by Dr. Yeap Ban Har. He is one of the authors of New Syllabus Mathematics and New Syllabus Additional Mathematics books that published by Shinglee (Singapore) and Mentari Books (Indonesia).
The Seminar was opened with a brief Introduction from Mentari Books representatives (which I forget her names).
There are a lot of facts that amazed me in the Seminar. Firstly first, I was surprised with the fact that the seminar is in English. Second, I never expect that Dr. Yeap Ban Har is that young (xoxo) and cute.
I only attend the second session, started from 13.00. After the opening and greeting from Mentari Books publisher, Dr. Yeap allows the audience to ask questions relates to the Curriculum in Singapore. Most of them asked a question about how to adapt the content of the New Syllabus book with Indonesia Curriculum.
It leads to a conclusion that most of them hardly understand that the New Syllabus book was made to adjoin with the Singapore Math Curriculum. Therefore, if we as an Indonesia teacher willing to use the New Syllabus book, it’s us who have to select the most correct arrangement between the book’s contents and Indonesian Curriculum (whether it’s a Diknas or our own school Curriculum).
Well, in Lazuardi Junior High, we already applied it, how to combining and integrating the Curriculum from Diknas (KTSP), Cambridge and then try to use New Syllabus book as the main reference.
I have to notes some important things. That Singapore Educational Ministry is very brilliant in arranging the Math Curriculum. They really are reflecting to the future and brave enough to predict what is important and necessary for the young Singaporean lads. The Ministry only puts what they think it’s important to be used in the student real life in the future, and Shinglee has the exact same ideas by putting few topics rather than a lot of topics. Dr. Yeap also introducing four topics that exist in Indonesia Curriculum but already disposed from Singapore Curriculum. They are: Logic, Equation of Circles, Linear Program and Progression.
The reformations in Math Curriculum in Singapore afford an amazing result from student’s response. Most of them think that Math subject is challenging. They don’t think it’s as a difficult subject. Instead, they think that Math is a doable and interesting.
Another interesting thing about the Seminar is that Dr. Yeap gives us a lot of refreshing techniques in teaching Math. He gives us a new perception about how to teach Math that fun for both the Teacher and the student. Dr. Yeap also introducing few steps in approaching math topics. Instead of straightly entering the topics, it will be much easier for the teacher to use few methods below:
1. Visualization.
With this method, teachers are able to teach two or more topics in arrow.
Some methods are already introduced in New Syllabus book.
This method is doable as a scene setting in class.
2. Modeling.
Teacher creates model from the variety of situations and using learning tools, etc.
3. Connection.
Teacher and students together are able to make math class as a vehicle for a lot of things in daily life.
4. Communication.
Build a good communication between the teacher and students. Provide any things that possible for the students. Always leads the students to give their opinion, not straightly at the moment gives them the answer.
Dr. Yeap also told us a story about how difficult still now, in Singapore to change most teacher perception and method in teaching math using the technique that Dr. Yeap’s introduced. One thing that I noticed from this young Doctor, besides the fact that he is very smart; he is also highly confidence with his innovation in Math teaching method.
Oh, he also said that he only categorized his students as smart one and a struggling one. No stupid one. I guess it can goes along with Lazuardi’s visions about children.
Another enjoys and fun seminar.
I have to thank Dr. Yeap for the fresh brand new perception in teaching Mathematics.
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