A Comparative Study on Math Education Rendered in the Educational Systems in the Two Societies on the Island of Cyprus
ABSTRACT
There is no doubt every country has its own unique education system which complies with the demands of society, culture, values and vision for the future. Math education is a long process starting with the first years of the elementary school, and continuing throughout one’s education. The Island of Cyprus embodies two distinct societies having their own systems of education. But on the road to the EU certain parallelisms need to be set and it is the goal of this study to shed light on the math education rendered in the two societies.
This paper will concentrate on K1 to K12 math education. The topics to be dealt with will cover math curriculum at all levels; weekly distribution of math classes as well as their proportion to the other courses offered. The present century demands experimental teaching and learning, therefore, this study will aim to bring out the teaching/learning strategies in math education, as well. Students are expected to be more creative in class rather then resorting to rote–learning even in math education. The study will also try to shed light on class size
These points will be treated from the standpoint of the math education systems carried out in the two societies that form the Island of Cyprus, and the main goal is to bring about similarities and differences, and to come up with a compromise. The study will end with the recommendations to establish a better and a more harmonious education that will break the barriers between the educational systems of the two societies.