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This study compared the algebra content of instructional materials in the most popular elementary school mathematics textbook series used in Taiwan, Finland, and Singapore, respectively. The research method employed was content analysis. Mathematical problems were the unit of analysis and they were classified based on their cognitive types, contexts and representational forms. Findings showed that the percentage of algebra problems presented in the textbooks in these three countries was not high, only about 7% to 13%. In sample problems, Taiwan and Singapore presented a detailed problem-solving process, but Finland only offered brief descriptions or definitions. We found the ratio of different types of problems in textbooks to be similar in the three countries with most of the problems classified as 'procedure without connection' in each country. As to problem contexts, most algebra problems in Taiwan were contextual problems in nature, but in Finland and Singapore, were classified as non-contextual problems. When the representational forms of problems was examined, we found that most problems were presented in word form in Taiwan, but most frequently in a purely mathematical form in Finland and Singapore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes the complexity of transforming the curriculum ideals embodied in reform initiatives into syllabus documents, with a particular focus on the call for developing generic skills, values and attitudes. The central argument is that the transformation is fundamentally a conceptual endeavor requiring serious curriculum work which has to deal with issues concerning content selection, organization and framing. It entails a need to rethink and re-conceptualize curriculum content in view of curriculum ideals. Implications are discussed concerning the challenges of curriculum transformation in the current emergent curricular landscape in Singapore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]