PRELIM EXAMINATION
Math 119- Principles and Strategies in teaching Mathematics
Name:_____________________________ Course & Year:______________ Class Schedule:____________ Score:______
I. Multiple Choice. Encircle the letter of your choice.
1. What is one of the primary goals of Mathematics?
A. To memorize formulas C. to understand pattern and relationships
B. To calculate quickly D. to create beautiful artwork
2. Which of the following is the common pitfall in developing critical thinking skills in math?
A. Focusing on memorizing facts and formulas.
B. Avoiding challenging problems that may be beyond one’s current abilities
C. Using trial and error as the primary problem-solving method.
D. Dismissing solutions that do not conform to expectations.
3. Which of the following is an effective way to encourage critical thinking in math education?
A. Providing students with step by step procedures for solving problems.
B. Encouraging students to work in isolation and avoid collaboration.
C. Offering opportunities for students to explore multiple solution paths and strategies.
D. Providing students with problems that have a single “right” answer.
4. Which of the following is an effective way to encourage critical thinking in math education?
A. Providing students with step by step procedures for solving problems.
B. Encouraging students to work in isolation and avoid collaboration.
C. Offering opportunities for students to explore multiple solution paths and strategies.
D. Providing students with problems that have a single “right” answer.
5. Which of the best reflects the role of mathematics in modern society?
A. Mathematics is primarily used by scientist and engineers and has limited relevance to the general public.
B. Mathematics is essential for making informed decisions in many areas of life, including personal
finance.
C. Mathematics is important for solving abstract problems but has little practical value in everyday life
D. Mathematics is a niche subject that has only studied by small group of specialized expert.
6. What is constructivism?
A. A theory of learning that emphasizes the role of prior knowledge and experience in shaping new
learning
B. A philosophy of education that emphasizes rote memorization and standardized testing
C. A teaching method that emphasizes direct instruction and lecture-based learning.
D. A learning style that emphasizes individual work and independent study.
7. According to constructivist theory, what is the role of the teacher?
A. To provide students with information and knowledge.
B. To facilitate learning through guidance and support.
C. To dictate the learning objectives and goals.
D. To evaluate students' learning through tests and quizzes.
8. Which of the following is an example of a constructivist learning activity?
A. Listening to a lecture and taking notes.
B. Memorizing a list of vocabulary words.
C. Working collaboratively with peers to solve a real-world problem.
D. Watching a video and answering comprehension question
9. What is the main difference between traditional and constructivist teaching methods?
A. Traditional methods emphasize memorization and repetition, while constructivist methods emphasize
active learning and discovery.
B. Traditional methods emphasize lecture-based instruction, while constructivist methods emphasize
hands-on and experiential learning.
C. Traditional methods emphasize standardized testing, while constructivist methods emphasize project-
based assessments.
D. There is no difference between traditional and constructivist teaching methods
10. Which of the following is a potential advantage of using constructivist approach in teaching math?
A. Students may be more likely to memorize procedures and formulas.
B. Students may be less engaged in learning.
C. Students may develop deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
D. Students may be less able to apply math concept to the real world situation.
11. What is reflective teaching?
A. A teaching approach that emphasizes on rote memorization.
B. A teaching approach that focuses on metacognition.
C. A teaching approach that emphasizes practical application of knowledge
D. A teaching approach that uses technology to enhance learning.
12. What is reflective teaching in math?
A. Teaching math by reflecting on previous teaching experiences.
B. Teaching math by looking into a mirror.
C. Teaching math using reflective surfaces in the classroom.
D. None of the above.
13. Which of the following is the primary purpose of reflective teaching in math?
A. To improve student performance.
B. To improve teacher performance.
C. To improve both teacher and student performance.
D. To save time in lesson planning.
14. Which of the following is an example of reflective teaching in math?
A. Using the same lesson plan every year.
B. Making changes to a lesson plan based on the student performance.
C. Ignoring feedback from the students.
D. Focusing only on getting through the curriculum.
15. Which of the following is an example of reflective teaching question a math teacher might ask themselves?
A. “Did I cover all the topics in the textbook?”
B. “How can I assign more homework to my students?”
C. “Did all my students understand the material I presented in the class?”
D. “How can I teach this concept faster so we can move on to the next topic?”
II. Essay. Explain the following. (5 points each)
1. Discuss the skills and knowledge that are necessary for success in teaching mathematics.
2. Based on your experience, discuss the challenges of using a constructivist approach teaching
mathematics.
3. How can teachers use reflective teaching to improve their own teaching practices in math?
