Characteristics of Thinking Skills Demonstrated in the Four Domains of Mathematics

An Analysis of a Sixth-Grade Elementary School Textbook

Abstract

This study aims to examine how thinking skills are demonstrated in an elementary mathematics textbook. Focusing on a sixth-grade textbook, the study compares the proportions of 19 types of thinking skills extracted from one unit in each of the four domains, both by domain and by textbook block. The analysis suggests that the skill of “converting” is prominent in Domain A (“Letter Expressions”) and Domain C (“Ratio”), while “focusing” is characteristic of Domain B (“Symmetrical Figures”), and “ordering” is prominent in Domain D (“Arranging and Combining”). Additionally, analysis by textbook block indicated that “comparing” is a characteristic skill in “sub-question” sections, and “applying” is notable in “practice problem” sections.