The Nature of Mathematics

• Mathematics is the science of patterns and relationships.

• Mathematics is a way of thinking.
• Math is an art.
• Mathematics is a language.
• Mathematics is a discipline.

The Goals of Math Teaching

 Based on the K to 12 Curriculum Guide for Math, the two main goals of Math
teaching are critical thinking and problem solving.

Learning Area Standard

These two big goals of teaching Math are expressed in the learning
area/program standards:

The learner demonstrates understanding and appreciation of key concepts and

principles of mathematics as applied- using appropriate technology- in problem
solving, critical thinking, communicating, reasoning, making connections,
representations, and decisions in real life.

Key Stage Standards

K-3
 At the end of the Grade 3, the learner demonstrates understanding and
appreciation of key concepts and skills involving number and number
sense; measurement: geometry; patterns and algebra: statistics and
probability as applied- using appropriate technology- in critical thinking,
problem solving, reasoning, communicating, making connections,
representations and decisions in real life.
4-6
  At the end of the Grade 6, the learner demonstrates understanding and
appreciation of key concepts and skills involving numbers and number
sense; measurement; geometry; patterns and algebra; statistics and
probability as applied- using appropriate technology- in critical thinking,
problem solving, reasoning, communicating, making connections,
representations and decisions in real life.

Grade Level Standards

 Kindergarten
The learner demonstrates understanding and appreciation of key concepts and
skills involving number and number sense; measurement: geometry (basic
attributes of objects); patterns and algebra; statistics and probability as applied-
using appropriate technology- in critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning,
communicating, making connections, representations and decisions in real life.

 Grade 1
The learner demonstrates understanding and appreciation of key concepts and
skills involving number and number sense; measurement: geometry; patterns
and algebra: statistics and probability as applied- using appropriate technology-
in critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, communicating, making
connections, representations and decisions in real life.

 Grade 2
The learner demonstrates understanding and appreciation of key concepts and
skills involving number and number sense; measurement: geometry; patterns
and algebra: statistics and probability as applied- using appropriate technology-
in critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, communicating, making
connections, representations and decisions in real life.

 Grade 3
The learner demonstrates understanding and appreciation of key concepts and
skills involving number and number sense; measurement: geometry; patterns
and algebra: statistics and probability as applied- using appropriate technology-
in critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, communicating, making
connections, representations and decisions in real life.

 Grade 4
The learner demonstrates understanding and appreciation of key concepts and
skills involving number and number sense; measurement: geometry; patterns
 and algebra; statistics and probability as applied- using appropriate technology-
in critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, communicating, making
connections, representations and decisions in real life.

 Grade 5
The learner demonstrates understanding and appreciation of key concepts and
skills involving number and number sense; measurement: geometry; patterns
and algebra; statistics and probability as applied- using appropriate technology-
in critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, communicating, making
connections, representations and decisions in real life.

 Grade 6
The learner demonstrates understanding and appreciation of key concepts and
skills involving number and number sense; measurement; geometry; patterns
and algebra: statistics and probability as applied- using appropriate technology-
in critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, communicating, making
connections, representations and decisions in real life.

There are five content areas in the curriculum, as adopted from the framework
prepared by the Department of Education:

• Numbers and Number Sense

• Measurement
• Geometry
• Patterns and Algebra
• Probability and Statistics

The specific skills an processes to be developed are:

• knowing and understanding

• estimating
• computing and solving
• visualizing and modeling
• representing and communicating
• conjecturing
• reasoning
• proving and decision-making
• applying and connecting
 The following values and attitudes are to be honed as well:

• Accuracy
• Creativity
• Objectivity
• Perseverance
• Productivity

The use of appropriate tools is necessary in teaching mathematics.

These includes:

• Manipulative objects
• Measuring devices
• Calculators and computers
• Smart phones and tablet PC’s
• Internet