A SURVEY OF MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM OF JUNIOR COLLEGES FOR TRAINING OF THE ELEMENTARY TEACHER IN SAUDI ARABIA

The Statement of Problem. The main purpose of this study was to determine the status of the mathematics curriculum in junior colleges for training of the elementary school teacher in Saudi Arabia and to determine the extent to which the mathematics curriculum is meeting the needs of the prospective elementary mathematics teacher.;Results and Conclusions. Additional courses with more emphasis should be given to the number system, algebra, and geometry. This is needed in order to meet the needs of the students who will be elementary mathematics teachers. Also, since calculus is of little value in improving the teaching competence in mathematics for the elementary school, it is recommended that calculus be eliminated from the present mathematics program and the above should be implemented immediately.;Although computer and calculator subjects are recommended by many professional guidelines as an important part of the mathematics program in the preparation of elementary mathematics teachers, there is no attention given to these computer and calculator subjects in the existing mathematics program at the Saudi junior colleges.;The Saudi junior colleges are poorly equipped in mathematics materials in the classroom and library resources. Although many mathematics educators point out the importance of the mathematics laboratory in the preparation of the elementary mathematics teacher, none of the seven Saudi junior colleges have a good mathematics laboratory. In order to raise the teaching competence in mathematics for the prospective elementary mathematics teacher, there is an urgent need for more good additional equipment and material as soon as possible.;The Procedure. This study surveyed all deans of the seven Saudi junior colleges and all mathematics teachers who teach in the seven junior colleges, who were asked to respond to a questionnaire which was constructed by the author. There were two different questionnaires--one for the deans and the other for the mathematics teachers. In addition to the questionnaires, the author completed an analysis of mathematics curriculum for prospective elementary mathematics teachers. This was accomplished by examining the bulletin of the Saudi junior college in Riyadh. The information found there is the same information that pertains to all junior colleges in Saudi Arabia.;The content of the present courses should be revised to be more consistent with the latest ideas in mathematics for the preparation of the elementary mathematics teachers as soon as possible.