2000 Volume 5 Number 1/2
Problem Solving in Singapore Secondary
Mathematics Textbook
Fan Lianghuo
Zhu Yan
Abstract: This study examined how two widely used Singapore school
mathematics textbooks at lower secondary level represent problem solving. The
study established a framework on the classification of problems and problem
solving procedures to code and analyze the from the textbooks. Based on the
framework, an overall picture of the representation of problem solving in the
textbooks was obtained. The authors concluded that the textbooks present a good
foundation for students to development their abilities in problem solving and are
strong in aspects such as using fundamental/theoretical knowledge to solve
problem, developing students’ logical and higher-order thinking skills through
solving multistep and challenging problem, exposing students to a variety of
heuristics, and leading students to new concepts and algorithms through problem
solving. The authors also suggested some areas for further improvement of the
textbooks concerning the representation of solving.