Abstract
This paper addresses the question of what mathematics
Dutch students should learn according to the standards as
established by the Dutch Ministry of Education. The focus is on
primary school and the foundation phase of secondary school.
This means that the paper covers the range from kindergarten to
grade 8 (4-14 years olds). Apart from giving an overview of the
standards, we also discuss the standards’ nature and history.
Furthermore, we look at textbooks and examination programs
that in the Netherlands both have a key role in determining the
intended mathematics curriculum. In addition to addressing the
mathematical content, we also pay attention to the way mathematics
is taught. The domain-specific education theory that
forms the basis for the Dutch approach to teaching mathematics
is called “Realistic Mathematics Education.” Achievement
scores of Dutch students from national and international tests
complete this paper. These scores reveal what the standards
bring us in terms of students’ mathematical understanding. In
addition to informing an international audience about the Dutch
standards and curricula, we include some critical reflections on
them.
Original language | Undefined/Unknown |
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Pages (from-to) | 287-307 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | Zentralblatt für Didaktik der Mathematik |
Volume | 37 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - 2005 |
Keywords
- Wiskunde en Informatica (WIIN)
- Mathematics
- Landbouwwetenschappen
- Natuurwetenschappen
- Wiskunde: algemeen