5th and 8th grade pupils’ and teachers’ perceptions of the relationships between teaching methods, classroom ethos, and positive affective attitudes towards learning mathematics in Japan

6.3.11

I think explaining a problem with various teaching methods can
promote motivation of the pupils, who have already got some
knowledge from home or cramming school. If I employ a single method
such as teaching a class with the textbook and doing exercises
contained in the textbook, pupils cannot be satisfied, because they have
already done this elsewhere. I try to find alternative ways to explain the
problem and let my pupils discover alternative ways. Then, lessons can
inspire curiosity and the motivation of higher achievers._____________________

6.3.12

^5^m^~

The educational aim of mathematics classes is not only to improve pupils’
mathematical attainment but also to train pupils to learn in a group by
listening to others’ views and expressing their views. Promoting pupils’
mutual development is important. In this sense, employing only
individualised methods is not sufficient. However, some pupils do not like
learning with others. They want to think, try and learn by themselves. They
prefer to ask some questions directly of me. I also need to employ
individual learning for such pupils.____________________________________________

6.3.13

~5^πr~^

Elementary school education does not aim to promote one particular
competence, rather it aims to promote as wide a set of competencies as
possible through learning. So, I think that it is not appropriate to select a
teaching method at this stage. For example, pupils’ competencies of
understanding the content through hearing can be cultivated through
listening to the teacher’s explanation. Pupils learn how to share views with
peers through taking part in discussion. Similarly, Otherteaching methods
can cultivate pupils’ other competencies. Employing various teaching
methods in mathematics classes will cultivate pupils’ various competencies.

6.3.14

~6^er-

Employing various teaching methods is important, to make pupils notice the
advantages of teaching methods which they have not liked previously. For
instance, some pupils don’t think they can promote their understanding
through discussion. But if they actually take part in discussion and feel
some progress, they come to like learning through sharing ideas with
others. If they know only a single learning method, they may not be able to
find solutions when they meet problems in later life. But if they know
various learning methods and are accustomed to such methods to a certain
extent, they can try several methods to find the solution.____________________