Many pre-service teachers admit to feeling unsure about the mathematics they will have to teach in primary school. Others find it difficult to know how to apply the theories of teaching and learning they study in other courses to the teaching of mathematics. This book begins by outlining some of the key considerations of effective mathematics teaching and learning. These include understanding student motivation, classroom management, overcoming maths anxiety and developing a positive learning environment. The authors also introduce the curriculum and assessment processes, and explore the use of ICT in the maths classroom. Part B outlines in a straightforward and accessible style the mathematical content knowledge required of a primary teacher. The content extends beyond the primary level to Year 9 of the Australian Curriculum as, while primary teachers may not have to teach this content, knowing it is a key part of being a strong teacher and will assist pre-service teachers to meet the requirements of the LANTITE (the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students). Featuring graphics and worked examples and using clear and friendly language throughout, this is the essential introduction for students wishing to begin teaching primary mathematics with confidence and enthusiasm. 'The writing style is clean and uncomplicated; exactly what my maths education students need. The blend of theories, curriculum, planning, assessment and mathematical content knowledge strikes the balance that is missing in many texts.' -- Dr Geoff Hilton, University of Queensland

Many pre-service teachers admit to feeling unsure about the mathematics they will have to teach in primary school. Others find it difficult to know how to apply the theories of teaching and learning they study in other courses to the teaching of mathematics. This book begins by outlining some of the key considerations of effective mathematics teaching and learning. These include understanding student motivation, classroom management, overcoming maths anxiety and developing a positive learning environment. The authors also introduce the curriculum and assessment processes, and explore the use of ICT in the maths classroom. Part B outlines in a straightforward and accessible style the mathematical content knowledge required of a primary teacher. The content extends beyond the primary level to Year 9 of the Australian Curriculum as, while primary teachers may not have to teach this content, knowing it is a key part of being a strong teacher and will assist pre-service teachers to meet the requirements of the LANTITE (the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students). Featuring graphics and worked examples and using clear and friendly language throughout, this is the essential introduction for students wishing to begin teaching primary mathematics with confidence and enthusiasm. 'The writing style is clean and uncomplicated; exactly what my maths education students need. The blend of theories, curriculum, planning, assessment and mathematical content knowledge strikes the balance that is missing in many texts.' -- Dr Geoff Hilton, University of Queensland

"One feature of this book that sets it apart from others is the care that is taken to clarify the authors’ interpretation of the phrase 'teaching for understanding'. Each component of this interpretation – connections, representations, reasoning, communication and misconceptions – is then successfully incorporated as a theme in the subsequent chapters that develop important mathematical topics." Ian Thompson, Visiting Professor at Edge Hill University and Northumbria University, UK This important book aims to support and develop teachers' understanding of the key primary mathematics topics. It takes an innovative approach by defining exactly what is meant by 'understanding' and uses this model to examine and explain various mathematical topics. The authors emphasize the importance of the different representations that can be used for mathematical concepts and inform the reasoning process. By focusing on understanding, the book also draws attention to common misconceptions that teachers may encounter in the classroom. Key features: Specific focus on 'understanding' to offer new insights in to how to teach the topics Case studies to demonstrate how to communicate mathematical topics in the classroom End of chapter questions to stimulate discussion The authors integrate research and theory throughout, to highlight core issues. This theoretical background is also linked directly to classroom practice and informs suggestions for how topics can be communicated in the classroom. This offers valuable guidance to trainee teachers on how to teach the topics and presents experienced teachers with the opportunity to develop their subject and pedagogical knowledge.

This book focuses on how to improve the teaching and learning of primary level mathematics education within resource-constrained contexts. It builds on two large numeracy projects within South Africa which speak to broader, global concerns and highlight how research and development not only enables one to meet ethical imperatives but also explore how further interventions can be developed. Teacher and research communities must work together to create mutually beneficial relationships and establish a cohesive understanding of the requirements of primary mathematics education.

In this textbook, the foundations of mathematics are made explicit and the reader is guided through the background knowledge and understanding that are required for the subject, offering a well-structured overview of the important issues to be considered when learning about mathematics on a Primary QTS course, and a coherent approach to the content to be found in the standards for QTS, the National Curriculum at Key Stages 1 and 2 and the numeracy strategy. The authors aim to help teachers review and restructure the understanding of mathematics gained during their education, progressing from partial memories of a few process to an understanding of why the skills they were taught make sense and how they fit into a coherent mathematics curriculum, arguing that to teach mathematics effectively it is not enough to be able to do the mathematics, you need to understand why you do what you do. Aimed at all teachers of primary mathematics, this book is also likely to be valuable to secondary teachers, parents, administrators and others interested in the foundations of school mathematics. Written for trainee and practicing teachers, this book de-mystifies the primary mathematics UK curriculum and offers a valuable reference for effective mathematicss teaching.

Numerous examples from early years and primary classrooms are included as well as checklists and helpful advice. There are also suggestions for further reading to assist trainee and newly qualified teachers in meeting the Standards for Initial Teacher Training and Induction.

This book supports early years teachers and practitioners to enable children to build Strong Foundations in Mathematics.