Chap Sam L IM School of Educational Studies Universiti Sains Malaysia <cslim@usm.my>

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

2. TWOQUESTIONS • 1. (Q1)How do primary mathematics teachers use textbooksin Malaysia? • 2. (Q3) How do primary mathematics teachers use blackboards in Malaysia?

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. 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

14. 1. For explanation of content or elaboration

15. 1. For explanation of content or elaboration

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

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

18. 3. As a display board – displaying pupils’ work

19. 3. As a display board – displaying

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

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

22. 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

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

24. Example of blackboard organization at end of class: Teacher 2

25. Use of courseware

26. Use of courseware - exercises

27. Use of white board

28. Thank you for your attention, please comment.