CONSTRUCTIVISM APPROACH IN MATHEMATICS TEACHING

Abstract

Mathematics is an important subject that help develop human mind to think reasonably and systematically. Mathematical thinking framework can thoroughly analyze problems and their contexts, offering good plan as well as forecasting for solving everyday problems. Furthermore, Mathematics is a vital tool to do great Science as well as many other disciplines. Hence, Mathematics can help improve quality living and promotes happy co-working experience. Nonetheless, teaching Mathematics in school has not yet been so effective in which class presentation is mainly applied in the teaching, inducing rote learning instead of promoting critical and analytical thinking skills in Mathematics. To make the matter worse, most students tend to be weary in Math class. Teachers must demote the rote learning way of teaching and seriously adopt analytical thinking while promoting students’ self-exploration to find knowledge. Constructivism is a way that can encourage students to perform self-study in the attempt to construct their knowledge based on social experience. The Constructivist Learning stages  are questioning themselves to the situation created, problem solving planning, investigation, reflection their knowledge, knowledge sharing, drawing conclusion of what they have learned.  The Constructivist Learning helps learning practice especially developing various skills needed in 21^st century, such as analytical thinking and problem solving, creation, collaboration skill, communication, information technology, learning skill and calculation skill. Although constructivism fosters systematic thinking, teachers must be aware of the underlying variation of ages and learning skills. When the students are ready to construct their own understanding in Mathematics, they will be happy and understand the true purpose of Mathematics.