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Rethinking School Mathematics
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Rethinking School Mathematics



152 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Why is it that so many pupils are put off by maths, seeing it as uninspiring and irrelevant, and that so many choose to drop it as soon as they can? Why is it socially acceptable to be bad at maths? Does the maths curriculum really prepare pupils for life?

This book presents some answers to these questions, helping teachers to think through their own attitudes to teaching and learning, and to work with pupils towards more effective and inspiring mathematical engagement. Part I of the book explores the nature of school mathematics - showing how the curriculum has been developed over the years, and how increasing effort has been devoted to improving the quality of mathematics teaching, with little apparent effect. Part II focuses on ways of thinking about classroom mathematics which take account of social, cultural, political and historical aspects. The chapters bring together a collection of activities, resources and discussion which will help teachers develop new ways of teaching and learning maths.

This book will be essential reading for all maths teachers, including maths specialists on initial teacher training courses.

 
PART I
 
Mathematics - The Subject We Love to Hate
 
Who Does Mathematics?
 
"What's the Point of Doing This?"
 
The Mathematics Curriculum
 
Rebalancing the Curriculum
 
PART II
 
Mathematics and Cultures
 
Mathematics and Society
 
Mathematics and Citizenship
 
Future Directions

'This is an important book that should be read by every student on an initial teacher training course for mathematics and by every practicing mathematics teacher. [The author] challenges our well-worn reasons for teaching and learning mathematics and sets his thoughts in the context of the numerous changes imposed in recent years...It will provoke us to think more about how all learners can learn mathamatics better...At just over 100 pages, there is every reason to get hold of a copy and read it as soon as possible' -
Association of Teachers of Mathematics Website


provides good background but not helpful for this course

Mrs Sue Cresswell
Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Coventry University
April 15, 2013

Sample Materials & Chapters

Book


Andy Noyes

Professor Andy Noyes is Deputy Head of the School of Education. He joined the University in 2001, having taught in a local secondary school for a number of years. He has been programme leader for the Professional Doctorate in Education, full-time PGCE course and the MA in Learning and Teaching. Andy is a member of the Centre for Research in Mathematics Education (CRME) and has a wide variety of research interests within mathematics education and education more generally. He has recently directed large research projects with funding from the ESRC and QCA. In 2012 Andy was appointed to the Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education. More About Author

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