A Study of the Finnish Mathematics Curriculum: Focusing on “Transversal Competence”

Abstract

The Finnish Ministry of Education has been revising the National Core Curriculum, which emphasizes “Qualities and Abilities”, since 1994. “Transversal Competence”, which is a concept corresponding to “Qualities and Abilities”, was introduced into the National Core Curriculum for Basic Education in Finland in 2014. In Japan, the trend regarding governmental education guidelines is also shifting to a curriculum that promotes “Qualities and Abilities.” This study aims to analyze, examine and consider in what way this appears in the mathematics curriculum of basic education by focusing on “Transversal Competence” in the National Core Curriculum of Finland as revised in 2014. As a result, it was found that “Transversal Competence” is divided into two types. One relates to all learning of mathematics, such as attitudes for understanding the significance of learning mathematics, problem-solving skills and instrumental use of knowledge and mathematical skills. The other depends on the contents area and developmental stage. It is necessary to clarify the relationships between each area of “Transversal Competence”, and how relationships between these areas and the contents of mathematics are embodied.