Electronic Proceedings
of the 12th 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.