Mathematics curriculum development in Finland – unexpected effects

Curricula changes in the Finnish school system have happened in ten year intervals. In mathematics they have followed the international trends. The most obvious changes are the following:

1. Mathematics at school became descriptive - exact definitions and proofs were largely omitted.
2. Geometry and trigonometry were neglected.
3. Computations were performed by calculators and numbers and not on a more advanced level.

The effects of these changes have now penetrated the whole educational system. There are few studies on long range effects but a study of L. Naveri deserves special attention. This is compared to the PISA 2003 and TIMMS 1999 surveys. Also the feedback of the changes from professional schools and colleges is discussed.

Publication_details: 
JEM 5th Workshop
Author(s): 
Olli Martio
Type: 
Slide presentation
Date: 
2008/11/26
Partner_node: 
Helsingin Yliopisto
AttachmentSize
Pariisi2608.doc61 KB