Difficulties and Issues in Applying the 7th Mathematics Curriculum to Elementary School Classrooms

제 7차 수학과 교육과정의 초등학교 현장적용에서 나타나는 문제점 및 개선방향

This paper is to make strides toward an enriched understanding of the difficulties and issues raised by applying the 7th mathematics curriculum to elementary school classrooms. A general overview of the curriculum is presented in line with teaching and learning methods emphasized in the curriculum. Four classroom episodes are presented in brief in order to diagnose the problems in situating the curriculum in elementary mathematics classrooms. These episodes deal with lessons emphasizing activity rather than its associated concepts or principles, overusing multimedia data, pursuing play rather than its associated thinking, and distributing various individual worksheets in the name of differentiated instructional methods. In addition to the episodes, interview data with elementary school teachers also are presented as needed. This paper discusses two aspects of activating the curriculum into elementary mathematics classrooms. One deals with the issues of the curriculum and textbooks themselves, and the other covers those of research trends on mathematics education and teaching practices. This paper finally emphasizes a collaborative working relation among classroom teachers, mathematics educators, and policy makers with their own places and roles.