Trends in the curriculum reform propose that algebra should be taught throughout the grades, starting in elementary school. The aim should be to decrease the discontinuity between the arithmetic in elementary school and the algebra in upper grades. This study was conducted to investigate and characterise upper elementary school students…

What is the product of Lesson Study? Lesson Study is a scientific activity for teachers based on the methodology introduced in the 1880s. In Japan, research topics for Lesson Study are usually shared through the regular revisions of the curriculum and the research movement of several societies. As a result of teachers' efforts to overcome…

Teaching thinking skills to students is often associated with a thinking strategy or a specific thinking technique. The strategy or technique may refer to a series of steps that is systematically drawn up to ensure that the teaching of thinking skills takes place effectively. In the case of Malaysia, a conceptual framework of Thinking Skill…

The science curriculum in Malaysia emphasizes the acquisition of scientific skills, thinking skills, and the inculcation of scientific attitudes and noble values. Besides that, the acquisition of scientific and technological knowledge and its application to the natural phenomena and students' daily experiences are also equally emphasized. The…

The following article gives a brief account of some empirical research done in the 1980s in the UK by the present author with his colleague, Ibrahim Abdel-Ghany of Minia University, Egypt. At the time both researchers were working at the University of East Anglia at Norwich, England. This work is partly based on empirical arguments, and on…

Describes the three phases of the development of the pilot project on science concepts learning which was designed to be implemented nationally by the participating countries of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). (HM)

This paper was presented at the Southeast Asian Workshop on new trends in the selection of content for chemistry curricula. The chemistry curriculum project developed by the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) of Thailand was discussed. (HM)

Discusses the need for mathematics teaching to be matched to children's understanding rather than to the demands of mathematics. Illustrations are given from the results of testing British children by the Concepts in Secondary Mathematics and Science (CSMS) Project, Chelsea College, University of London. (HM)

Describes the Concept Learning Project (CLP) that investigates how children in Southeast Asia Learn mathematics and science concepts based on the thinking levels of children, using Piagetian theory. Results of field trials in Thailand are presented. (HM)

Traces physics curriculum innovation in Southeast Asia since the 1950s. The unique features of such innovation in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand are highlighted. Forecasts for the future of physics education in part of the world are also discussed. (Author/HM)

Evaluates the Southeast Asia Science and Mathematics Experiment (SEASAME) which is a regional pilot project of the Regional Center for Education in Science and Mathematics (RECSAM). Five phases of the SEASAME curriculum materials for grades one through six used in the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand are being evaluated. (HM)

Developing computer-assisted instruction courseware in which a microcomputer interfaces with videotape recordings is discussed. A sample sequence is listed. (MNS)

Advocates inclusion of science, technology, and society (STS) approach in the science curriculum, focusing on curriculum development. Offers examples of using solar energy as an integrating theme for science, technology, and society topics and explains several energy curricular materials. (ML)

Describes science and mathematics projects in Thailand and Australia that emphasize material, teacher, and curriculum development. Three separate models are diagramatically explained. Suggested approaches for instructional improvement are discussed. Rating and analysis in terms of teacher and specialist inputs and cost factors are also presented.…

Describes a study designed to compare the gradual development of children's understanding of shadows with Piaget's stages, categorize pupil responses in the shadow tasks, identify typical pupil responses in each category, and enumerate curriculum implications from the investigation. (GS)