Curriculum Reform Activity: Science and Mathematics. Educational Policy and Planning Project.

Science and mathematics curricula have undergone major changes in the United States during the past 30 years. Many of the science courses developed and implemented in the 1960s were expensive, difficult, and too theoretical for students. Mathematics curricula suffered similar problems. Indonesia's 1994 curriculum-reform effort can learn from these efforts and should incorporate problem solving, critical thinking, and inquiry skills into their classrooms. Well-designed, small-scale projects should be implemented throughout the provinces. Certain recommendations for science and math curriculum should be given priority: developing a scope-and-sequence table for science for elementary and lower-secondary education; matching curriculum guides with scope and sequence tables; providing teachers with material presentation advice; defining what is meant by local content; putting less focus on upper secondary science and math; developing a common science and math core and enrichment activities; integrating curriculum development; devising assessment strategies that promote critical thinking and reward creativity; supporting and monitoring multiple, small-scale curriculum implementation; and experimenting with incremental curriculum changes. More time in school at the elementary level, more resource material, and well-prepared primary teachers are part of a major investment of resources in improving Indonesian education over the next 5 to 10 years. (JPT)