T: Yes, I think that it is important to keep pupils’ motivation to learn mathematics high. I
think that promoting pupils’ understanding of the curriculum is one method of maintaining
their motivation. I try to proceed with lessons in a slow pace, so that every one can
understand the curriculum. I also adopt practical and experimental work. Pupils enjoy
learning mathematics through these activities.
I: Do you think it is important to ensure that pupils feel secure in mathematics learning?
T: I think that enjoyment, motivation, and feeling secure are correlated. If pupils cannot
feel secure in mathematics learning, they cannot enjoy it, vice versa. I think that pupils
may come to dislike mathematics learning for other reasons than th? difficulties of
learning mathematics. Pupils are forced to think about matters quickly in their life. Many
children are not good at examining problems carefully. Children of today don’t knew or
understand about co-operation and mutual support with peers. For example, they are
poor at discussion skills such as understanding what others are saying and expressing
their views in public. I think it is important to learn how to communicate with peers in
mathematics classes. Communication with peers should not be limited to exchanging
greetings. They need to learn how to discuss abstract concepts with peers.
I: Do you think it is important to ensure that pupils are aware of their progress in
mathematics learning? ι
T: Yes, I think it is important.
I: When do you think that pupils themselves have a sense of progress in mathematics
learning?
T: I think that pupils have a sense of progress when they can get high marks in tests,
when they can raise their views in discussion, and when many peers approve of their
views. However, children’s actual attainments are not necessarily linked to their
fondness for learning mathematics Ortheir confidence in learning ,mathematics. You can
find many elementary school pupils who don’t like mathematics, even though their
attainment is high. See mathematics education in other countries. Children say that they
like mathematics in the countries which consider individual differences. Learning