Transforming Primary Mathematics: Understanding classroom tasks, tools and talk, Edition 2
About this ebook
The book encourages teachers to reflect on their own beliefs and values about mathematics, and asks them to question whether their current methods meet the needs of all learners, and the challenge of having high expectations for all. It provides clear, practical approaches to help implement fundamental change in classroom environments, and offers motivational teaching styles to ensure meaningful mathematics learning.
Chapters take an inspiring, sometimes controversial, and often unconventional look at the subject of mathematics, by:
- endorsing the use of a ‘new mathematics’ – one based on problem solving, modelling, inquiry and reasoning, not on abstract rules, memorising, and regurgitation
- arguing that there is more to maths teaching than ‘death by a thousand worksheets’
- challenging norms, such as the practice of sorting children into sets based on their perceived mathematical ability
- asking whether mathematical ability is innate or a result of social practices
- examining what a ‘mastery’ approach might entail
- highlighting the role of variation in supporting learning
- advocating an environment where teachers are encouraged to take risks.
Transforming Primary Mathematics is for all primary school teachers who want to make mathematics welcoming, engaging, inclusive and successful.
About the author
Mike Askew is Professor of Mathematics Education at Wits University, Johannesburg, South Africa, having also been a Professor at King’s College London University, UK, and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
