Guide for the improvement of mathematical instruction in the public schools of Georgia

Abstract

Scope of Study: This study attempts to characterize in broad outline only, through suggested essentially of course content and other media, what schools teach and on what level they teach it. This is mainly determined by three factors:

1. The nature of the society

2. The nature of the school population and the individual learner

3. The values - that is, the goals to be realized by the school.

These factors have been discussed in some detail in each of the areas necessary for a good functional mathematics program.

Findings and Conclusions: The total high school mathematics program should be reorganized for teaching purposes and those who are currently engaged in the mathematical teaching process should be required to know more about content material of the broad area of the field of mathematics than many teachers do at the present time. Prospective mathematics teachers should seek to broaden their general scientific knowledge as a whole by taking courses on the college level that give a rigorous treatment to the applications and principles of the physical sciences. Mathematics teachers as a whole should seek to find out not only how students learn but how they learn most effectively. With this information on hand the usual emphasis which is being given to practical applications without connecting them with the underlying mathematical principles would be reduced.

It should not be overlooked that this guide is intended to serve as a source of information for all high school teachers of the state of Georgia. However, no set pattern can be established. The details should be tailored to fit the local situation.