Thinking schools, learning nation: a vision for mathematics education at Singapore Polytechnic

Singapore Polytechnic offers a tertiary education to 'O' and 'A' level school-leavers leading to more than 20 full-time and part-time diplomas in business, computing, engineering, maritime studies, multimedia, optometry, and technology. The mathematics and science department at Singapore Polytechnic supports the need for a sound foundation in mathematics by offering modules in engineering mathematics for students of the engineering course. The mathematics modules range from a one-year to a two-and-a-half year module depending on students' entry abilities and the extent of mathematics knowledge needed in the respective courses. This article describes some of the initiatives taken in conjunction with the national objective of having 60 per cent of the population achieve a tertiary qualification to support the knowledge-based economy. These initiatives include programs designed for the varying abilities of students and the incorporation of appropriate use of information technology to make students' learning experiences more varied and interesting. These initiatives have brought faculty to the realisation that they too are involved in a process of lifelong learning.

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Singapore Polytechnic offers a tertiary education to 'O' and 'A' level school-leavers leading to more than 20 full-time and part-time diplomas in business, computing, engineering, maritime studies, multimedia, optometry, and technology. The mathematics and science department at Singapore Polytechnic supports the need for a sound foundation in mathematics by offering modules in engineering mathematics for students of the engineering course. The mathematics modules range from a one-year to a two-and-a-half year module depending on students' entry abilities and the ...  [+] Show more