Electronic Proceedings of the 12^th Asian Technology Conference in Mathematics

Abstract for 12907

Integrating Calculators into the Singapore’s Primary Mathematics

Curriculum

Authors: Yeo Kai Kow Joseph

Affiliations: National Institute of Education

Keywords: Novice, Calculators, Primary Mathematics Curriculum,

Mathematical Tasks

The use of scientific calculators will be first allowed in Singapore

Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) for all primary level

mathematics subjects from the year 2009 onwards. Following the

revised mathematics syllabus and curriculum in 2007, not only is the

use of calculators is included in the national examination, all

Primary 5 and 6 mathematics teachers will be expected to integrate

the use calculator into their mathematics lessons from 2008 onwards.

As a result, primary school mathematics teachers are required to be

proficient in using the calculator and adept at facilitating pupils’

usage of the calculator so as to meet the new assessment

requirements. Evidence from literature review and research has

showed that calculator is an effective tool for enhancement of

mathematical concept, development of mental arithmetic skills,

pattern recognition, mathematical investigation, solving real life

problem and improving problem solving ability. Yet, many teachers

and parents continue to believe that they can bring more impairment

than good in the learning of mathematics, therefore their use for

instruction should never be encouraged in the primary schools. The

purpose of this paper is to review what research says about outcome

of calculator use in the learning of primary mathematics. This paper

also describes six appropriate calculator activities that can be

integrated in the teaching and learning of mathematics at the

primary level.