Knowledge and skills required for life

Knowledge and skills required for life

One of the biggest challenges we face in school education is to identify and develop the knowledge and skills required for life in the 21st century.

Identify and develop the knowledge and skills required for life

One of the biggest challenges we face in school education is to identify and develop the knowledge and skills required for life in the 21st century. This is an ongoing curriculum challenge. We know that in some cases the current school curriculum is not addressing the needs of a 21st century learner and this is easily ascertained by looking at the decline in mathematics literacy.

There are many possible reasons for this decline: past iniquities have not been addressed, disciplines are taught as bodies of facts , concepts are taught in isolation, assessment instruments are poor, poor teaching, unprepared learners. A possible solution is that we could adapt the curriculum so that we can teach for understanding (deeper, conceptual knowledge). We must begin to discourage ritualized learning.

INSTRUCTIONS:
Write a research based essay of approximately 900 words, describing how you would make your teaching more visual in order to deepen learners’ understanding of concepts taught in mathematics. You may choose one or more arguments to illustrate your arguments. You must read and cite at least SEVEN articles and use APA 6 style of referencing.

Your essay must address the following:

Firstly, what is your understanding of visualization in mathematics education?

This must be based on your readings (do not copy and paste from your readings but use the readings to inform your interpretation). Also, do not simply state an opinion.

Secondly, is this type of teaching sustainable? Please elaborate.

Thirdly, will visual strategies overcome past inequities and language barriers? How?

Lastl, do you believe that visualization should play a more important role in the curriculum? Why?