Textbook and Blackboard Use in Malaysian Primary Mathematics classrooms Chap Sam LIM School of Educational Studies Universiti Sains Malaysia <cslim@usm.my>

TWO QUESTIONS 1. (Q1)How do primary mathematics teachers use textbooks in Malaysia? 2. (Q3) How do primary mathematics teachers use blackboards in Malaysia?

1. (Q1)How do primary mathematics teachers use textbooks in Malaysia? Textbook is the predominant teaching materials/source of reference for teachers All textbooks are published by the Ministry of Education, under the Textbook Division Textbooks are given as free loan to all pupils in all schools Not for sale to be returned at end of year

Textbook package Each grade – two volume – Book A and B Activity book – book A and B Teacher guide Courseware – Smart school version Teaching courseware – developed by Curriculum Development Department By Topic – developed by Educational Technology Department

Use of Textbook Previously – may be 70% of the time use textbooks, But after the policy of Teaching Mathematics and Science using English [PPSMI] Nearly 90% of time based on text book, because Better and more effective teaching strategies proposed in the textbook Written strictly according to the curriculum requirement

Use of Textbook by teachers Most teachers follow accordingly – unit by unit, content, activities and examples Also come with activity book and courseware Also Teacher guide – for Grade 1, 4, 5 & 6

An example of Year 3 Math textbook & activity book: cover page

An example of Year 3 Math textbook: Foreword – philosophy of syllabus

An example of Year 3 Math textbook: Introduction – organization of the textbook

An example of Year 3 Math textbook: Introduction – organization of the textbook –using icons

An example of Year 3 math textbook: topic: Fraction Introduction page – picture of activity related to the topic

An example of Year 3 math textbook: Glossary at end of book Last page

2. (Q3) How do primary mathematics teachers use blackboards in Malaysia? Main uses: For explanation of content or elaboration To assess pupils’ performance – ask pupils to come out and show on blackboard As display board – paste manila cards/flash cards/students’ work To provide information – short important note/list/reminder of homework

1. For explanation of content or elaboration

1. For explanation of content or elaboration

2. To assess pupils’ performance – ask pupils to come out and show on blackboard

2. To assess pupils’ performance – different pupils are asked to show their solutions on blackboard

3. As a display board – displaying pupils’ work

3. As a display board – displaying

4. To provide information: Short notes at the top corner

4. To provide information: today’s home work at the top corner

Q3: Blackboard use - organization Organization of blackboard not given due significance no course or training given during pre-service education, unlike Shanghai/China Mainly based on teachers’ own experiences and creativity Can be messy

Example of blackboard organization at end of class: : Teacher 1

Example of blackboard organization at end of class: Teacher 2

Use of courseware

Use of courseware - exercises

Use of white board

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