Oh Mathematics!

How do you view Mathematics?

When I was young, I think that Mathematics is all about numbers. But, when I grown up, I realize that Mathematics is not merely about numbers but it occurs in our daily life and routines such as time, money, space and measurement. Personally, I love Mathematics because it is fun, challenging and interesting. But, sometimes Mathematics can be 'scary' and makes me cry especially when I am lost and fail to find the problem solving. Nevertheless, my father, who is a former Mathematics teacher always encourage me to keep trying in finding the possible solutions and never give up as some Mathematics problems do have several methods and solutions.

How do you view Mathematics learning?

Mathematics learning at school is a process where the teacher helps the children to ‘realize’ Mathematics that happens around them. Learning Mathematics is not just drilling or chalk and talk approach but the teacher should be able to make the children understand mathematics by using appropriate strategies and activities. According to Clements (2001) “the most powerful mathematics for a preschooler is usually not acquired while sitting down in a group lesson but is brought forth by the teacher from the child’s own self-directed, intrinsically motivated activity” (p. 8, as cited in Simmons, 2006). Moreover, the teacher should be able to provide several interesting and interactive activities in order to make the mathematics learning meaningful and purposeful for the children. For example, the teacher could provide the students with objects that are familiar with their real-life such as building blocks, fruits, and toys and let the children learn by play. 

What are your assumptions about early childhood Mathematics?

Early childhood Mathematics is a process or situation of preparing the children with the basic concepts of Mathematics such as the Beginning Processes before the children learn Mathematics as a core subject at the school. The processes are very important to develop the children's creativity as well as other thinking skills.