Mathematics learning: Singapore students’ perspective

Abstract

As part of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), some 14,000 primary school students and 8,500 secondary school students in Singapore completed the student questionnaire in 1994. This questionnaire sought their perceptions on how they were learning mathematics in school, spending their time in and out of school and also information on some background variables such as family size, expectations of parents and teachers, and socio-economic status. The paper will report on some of the findings of the survey that shed light on what Singapore students perceive to contribute to mathematics learning. Common perceptions of both primary and secondary students would be of particular interest as they may shed light on critical factors that contribute to their success in TIMSS.