Mathematics Education

Position
In a knowledge-based information era driven by technology and creativity, students need knowledge and skills that could help them meet the dynamic challenges in the 21st century, and mathematics constitute an important share. Mathematics and its applications pervade all aspects of life in the modern world. Many of the developments and decisions made in industry and commerce, the provision of social and community services as well as government policy and planning etc., rely on the use of mathematics.

Mathematics is essential in the school curriculum of Hong Kong, as it is:
(a) a powerful means for developing various abilities in a technology-oriented and information-rich society;
(b) a powerful means of communication;
(c) a tool for studying other disciplines;
(d) an intellectual endeavour and a mode of thinking; and
(e) a discipline, through which students can develop their ability to appreciate the beauty of nature, manage uncertainty and make sound judgements.

Mathematics education plays an active role in STEAM education, and supports the learning of other subjects. It contributes significantly to the whole-person development of students in primary and secondary schools, prepares them for multiple pathways to post-secondary education and future careers, and hence plays an important role in the Hong Kong school curriculum.

• Continue responding to the curriculum aim of developing in students the ability to think critically and creatively, to conceptualise, inquire and reason mathematically, and to use mathematics to formulate and solve problems in daily life as well as in mathematical contexts and other disciplines;
• Strengthening students’ ability to integrate and apply knowledge and skills through STEAM education;
• Highlighting the importance of e-learning for enhancing learning and teaching effectiveness, facilitating self-directed learning and nurturing students’ competence in applying information technology (IT) in learning mathematics;
• Highlighting Language across the Curriculum (LaC) in the school Mathematics curriculum, such as promoting reading in Mathematics to develop students’ understanding of the connections between mathematics and real life as well as other disciplines; and
• Strengthening the development of generic skills and positive values and attitudes in an integrative manner through various Mathematics learning activities.