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Maths Curriculum in Portugal

In Portugal, the Maths Curriculum for each grade contains:

• a list of topics and contents
• aims (in the three dimensions: individual, basic acquisitions and citizenship)
• a sequence of the topics (as suggestion)
• number of lessons for each topic (as suggestion)
• methodological suggestions

Contents are grouped in different topics according to the cycle:

1st cycle: numbers and operations
values and measures
space and shape

2nd cycle: geometry
numbers and calculations
statistics
proportionality

3rd cycle: geometry
numbers and calculations
functions and statistics

However each topic shouldn't be taught at one go and independently from the contents of other topics. The teacher must approach a concept in different ways and different moments and connect every knowledge to give a dynamic and interrelated insight of Maths.

In this curriculum Geometry has a great importance. Pupils are supposed to develop the knowledge about space and plane and apply that knowledge in other studies and in different situations of their lives.

In the early grades they suggest the use of materials that can be manipulated; activities which allow pupils to observe, compare, discover and construct; sketches to make the understanding of problems and the discovery of resolution strategies easier; the use of measure and drawing tools. Some concepts can be introduced with games and problems which allow pupils to enjoy researching. Specific vocabulary and the rigour of language must be introduced gradually.

In the last grades of the basic education pupils should be presented with activities which enable them to make deductive and inductive reasoning, formulate hypothesis, justify their reasoning and develop their ability to communicate and systematise.

The use of the calculator is advisable since the 1st grade due to its vulgarisation, its utility in difficult calculations and its possibilities in activities of experimentation, exploration and discovery. The resolution of certain "real life" problems, using any numbers, is just possible with the use of the calculator.

The use of the calculator is suggested in all topics, including Numbers and Calculations. Pupils must be stimulated to make estimates and mental calculations. They must be able to decide which values (precise or approximate) and which calculation (mental, pencil and paper procedures or with the calculator) they should use, depending on the context.

The study of Statistics begins in the 5th grade. Pupils are supposed to develop their capacity to handle data and be critical about the information they get. They are supposed to work in topics related to other subjects, current affairs and their own interests.

Graph diagrams are very important in the study of Functions because they are a powerful tool of analysis and communication. Graphic description and interpretation of different phenomena are useful in our daily life and in different subjects.

Problem Solving is not an isolated topic, it crosses the whole curriculum. In all topics problems must be used both as an exploration and an applying stage.

Maths History is mentioned in the curricula of the 2nd and 3rd cycles. They suggest activities which allow pupils to understand the utility of Maths in solving problems faced by Man throughout History.

MATHS CONTENTS

1ST CYCLE

2ND CYCLE

3rd CYCLE