A Review of Teaching and Learning Methodologies of Mathematics Subject at The Nursery and Primary Levels of Education

Abstract

The topic of this paper refers to the principles and methods that are available to the teachers that help to impart knowledge, skills and values effectively in the pupils. It is not enough for a teacher to have the content knowledge but he should be able to impart it well. Pre-primary Education is that form of Education given to children aged 0 5 years prior to their entering the primary school. Primary Education on the other hand is the Education offered in institutions for children aged 6years and above, plus “the rest of the Educational system”. Teaching children at these levels requires careful planning and technicalities so as to achieve the set objectives by the teacher (i.e. Behavioral Objectives). These behavioral objectives must be clear, specific, and measureable and should be centered on the child (NTI, 2007, p.119). The paper discussed some important strategies to follow in teaching Mathematics subject to children age 2-5 years which within the Nigerian context are children in the nursery school. Children of age 6 to 13 are in primary school. In promoting methodologies in the teaching and learning of Mathematics to children, six important strategies were highlighted. Examples of how to promote teaching and learning of Mathematics Subject on Some Topics at the Nursery and Primary levels were also cited. Going by the conclusion principles and methods to follow which are available to the teacher that can help him/her to impact knowledge, skill and values effectively were also classified based on the children level of learning for some topics of Mathematics were also cited in the paper. And it is not enough for the Mathematics teacher to have the content knowledge only, but he /she should also consider the subject culture and socio-cultural values in the teaching of Mathematics. Finally, from the recommendations made, teachers of Mathematics subject should have to inculcate a good students-teacher relationship, in such a way that their students can feel free for asking them questions and solve their immediate problems.