Matematikos integravimas pagrindinėje mokykloje ; Integration of mathematics in basic school

Abstract

Vilnius University, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science student Andrius Aniulis in his theses briefly overviewed the importance of the integration process in the area of current public economics and politics, however the central focus was placed on the integration process in general education schools. Hence the integration process is not only a global process which is important in the governance of the state,but also it is an important factor which contributes to the formation and the education of the society.The discussions about the value of the integration process in educational system have taken place since ancient times, but they have been very active for the last 50 years. Now It is a common ground that an interdisciplinary (integrated) teaching provides students with a meaningful understanding of individual subjects. After all, life does not consist of separate things, in everyday life you need the knowledge of economics, geography, mathematics etc. for this reason the most successful lessons are those which connect (integrate) two, three or more subjects. In order to reveal the integration process in Lithuanian general education schools one of the most important documents issued by Lithuanian Ministry of Education was analyzed, 'Updated general programs of primary and lower secondary education' (2009). Based on the history of integration process the attempt is made to look at the internal and cross-curricular integration which is taking place in the current schools.To achieve this goal the questionnaire was given to six Lithuanian school teachers and their approach to the expedience of the integrated lessons was examined.The majority of the surveyed teachers are in favor of integrated lessons and see the benefits:the increased student motivation, the increased knowledge and intake rates, etc. The biggest incentive for teachers to prepare for integrated lessons is a perspective that it will increase students' motivation for learning, students will better understand the subject, the micro-climate in class will improve. The main objective of this work is to reveal the possibilities and the impact of intergration on teaching process of two subjects: Mathematics and Geography- . The study includes suggestions on how to conduct such lessons and a short survey in which participated the students. It was discovered that the students clearly welcome the integrated classes. Although the integrated classes require more time, they help the students to prepare properly for the practical activities in the future. After having such lessons students understand that Mathematics can be found in different places, it can be useful and related to the environment in which they are located. Integrated lessons give a different perspective on the integrated subjects, pupils get convinced that theoretical material is the basis for practical activity. In this paper, the most important documents of the education system which ensure the integration process in Lithuanian general education schools, teachers' approach to integrated lessons and suggestions on how to conduct integrated Mathematics and Geography lessons are overviewed. In order to develop their communication skills, students should use the new technologies (computers, multimedia equipment). While learning they should be able to use a variety of sources: different types of dictionaries, the Internet. The teacher is also a member of the student community, a more experienced colleague, who advises, directs the debate and learns together. Only the universal implementation of the integration process can provide good results: improved motivation, broadened understanding of where and how to apply theoretical knowledge. Students who have experienced success in learning, will be able to successfully plan their future life, will be open-minded, more quickly integrate into modern society that is dynamic, changing and affected by various favorable and unfavorable factors for humans.