Reference: Critical Thinking in Education
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MATERIALS
The SLC Math curriculum is designed with the following rule in mind.
RULE # 1: The curriculum follows the sequence in which concepts are developed systematically in a subject.
The subject of mathematics starts with COUNTING. The next concept is PLACE VALUE. Place values allow one to write large numbers in a concise manner. The student must learn how to read and write large numbers before proceeding to the next concept of ADDITION.
Mathematics introduces the student to systematic learning. Counting and place values provide ways to think systematically.
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SELF-LEARNING
The SLC Math curriculum consists of lesson plans that are concise, relevant and easy to follow. The students are encouraged to read and understand the lessons on their own. Supervisors are there to help him as needed.
RULE # 2: The lesson plans are concise, relevant, and written in plain language that is easy to follow.
Each math lesson is followed by a large number of exercises for practice. Answers are provided for all exercise problems. The students are encouraged to do the exercises and check their answers. The correct answers reinforce the students’ confidence.
RULE # 3: Each lesson plan is followed by a large number of exercises, with answers provided for all exercise problems.
The students are encouraged to trace the incorrect answers back to the exact error made. Supervisors are there to assist them in this effort. Once a student becomes aware of the exact error he is less likely to make it again.
The student works to get the correct answers first, and then works on the speed. He learns the methods of arithmetic that make computations easier and faster.
The student may do every fifth or every tenth problem first to sample problems of different level of difficulties. He may then practice the problems that are at the right level of difficulty for him..
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COMPLETION OF A LESSON PLAN
When the student has studied and practiced a lesson plan he asks the supervisor to check him. The supervisor spot checks him on the concepts of the lesson and have him solve some exercise problems. If the student fails the spot-check the supervisor sends him back to study and practice some more, and come back for another spot-check. When the student passes the spot-check he goes to the class tutor to be examined on his understanding of the lesson plan.
The class tutor examines the student’s knowledge from the viewpoint of skill. He makes sure that the student has required skills. If the tutor finds some minor things missing in the student’s understanding then he tutors him on the spot. If he finds something major missing then he sends the student back to the supervisor with exact instructions on what the student must restudy and practice.
In the end, the class tutor requires the student to do three exercise problems correctly in a row. When the student answers all three problems correctly, the class tutor announces him complete on the lesson plan.
RULE # 4: In order to complete a lesson plan, the student must solve three exercise problems (of reasonable difficulty) correctly in a row.
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CLASSES & SUPERVISION
Classes are divided by the levels of the curriculum. Levels Pre-0 and 0 are written for skill levels learned in Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten respectively. Similarly, Levels 1 and 2 are written for skills learned in primary and middle school respectively. Each level consists of a number of lesson plans. When a student has completed all lesson plans for a level, he moves up to the next level.
If the student is found lacking the skills of a level he is assigned to that level. He is then examined for completion of each lesson plan on that level.
The SLC math course is performance based. The students can move through these levels rapidly. He is not held back because of age. Normally a student is allowed to advance through these levels at a pace most suitable for him. By the time a student has completed Level 2 he is deemed to be a self-learner. He then continues up through Level 3 and above rapidly with minimal supervision.
A higher level student is also trained on supervisor skills. He supervises at least one lower level student through to completion.
RULE # 5: A higher level student must be able to assist a lower level student to completion.
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