Modification to be Done to the Singapore O-Level Mathematics Syllabuses to Adopt the Use of Graphics Calculator

Abstract

The use of computer in the teaching of mathematics has some weak points. It is not convenient to be carried from one place to the other. Graphics calculator is a more suitable mean for students* personal use as it is available at any time and any place. Many developed countries are now using graphics calculators in their lessons and examinations. It is obvious that in the near future, Asian countries, such as Singapore and Malaysia, will follow US and Australia to allow and encourage their students to make use of graphics calculators in their study of mathematics. In Singapore, with the introduction of this hand-held technology, the strategy of teaching mathematics has to be reviewed. The graphics calculator can help the high school students to understand some abstract concepts easily. As a result, some advanced concepts can be added to the syllabuses. On the other hand, the teaching of some old concepts and algebraic manipulation skills becomes unnecessary. It is not healthy to just make some minor changes in the mathematics syllabuses for the sake of using of the new calculators. Instead we should change the syllabuses such that we can make full use of the calculator to help the students to have a better understanding of some difficult and abstract concepts. In this paper, the author will discuss what modification has to be done to the current mathematics syllabus to adopt this change. He will also advise what the teachers should do to face the change.