Middle school mathematics : some reflections

Middle school maths is a convenient phrase used in textbook titles and faculty meetings and workshops for teachers. How do we distinguish the above from primary school maths, high school maths or higher secondary school maths? Primary level maths deals mostly with computation, whether it is with whole numbers or with fractions-and-decimals. Of course, a certain level of conceptualization takes place, but the emphasis is on drill and practice work so that the student will be able to calculate quickly and not get bogged down or daunted by numbers. One is trained to do the four basic operations with whole numbers as well as fractions and decimals. High school maths involves a good degree of abstraction, a lot of the content appearing to be far removed from daily life. Middle school maths in contrast is fairly grounded in the direct experience of students. There is less repetitive practice. It involves seeing patterns which can simplify situations and provide quicker pathways to solutions