Teaching Primary Arithmetic With Mathematical Meaning

Teaching Primary Arithmetic with Mathematical Meaning

Meaning in Mathematics Education

What does it mean to know mathematics? How does meaning in mathematics education connect to common sense or to the meaning of mathematics itself? How are meanings constructed and communicated and what are the dilemmas related to these processes? There are many answers to these questions, some of which might appear to be contradictory. Thus understanding the complexity of meaning in mathematics education is a matter of huge importance. There are twin directions in which discussions have developed—theoretical and practical—and this book seeks to move the debate forward along both dimensions while seeking to relate them where appropriate. A discussion of meaning can start from a theoretical examination of mathematics and how mathematicians over time have made sense of their work. However, from a more practical perspective, anybody involved in teaching mathematics is faced with the need to orchestrate the myriad of meanings derived from multiple sources that students develop of mathematical knowledge. This book presents a wide variety of theoretical reflections and research results about meaning in mathematics and mathematics education based on long-term and collective reflection by the group of authors as a whole. It is the outcome of the work of the BACOMET (BAsic COmponents of Mathematics Education for Teachers) group who spent several years deliberating on this topic. The ten chapters in this book, both separately and together, provide a substantial contribution to clarifying the complex issue of meaning in mathematics education. This book is of interest to researchers in mathematics education, graduate students of mathematics education, under graduate students in mathematics, secondary mathematics teachers and primary teachers with an interest in mathematics.

Interactive Maths Teaching in the Primary School

′Nick Pratt′s book looks in detail at the real meaning of teaching mathematics interactively in primary schools. Each section is set clearly within a context, is linked by ′key ideas′ – the important bits to think about – and is summarised to give a succinct close to the chapter′s content and thinking. It is a book that the reader will definitely find useful and thought provoking. It certainly made me consider how small changes and a wider variety of approaches in the classroom can make big changes in children′s learning and understanding of mathematical concepts′ - Mike Eatwell, Primary Maths Advisor, Bristol LEA Using a whole-class, interactive approach to teaching mathematics is a key feature of the National Numeracy Strategy (NNS), and this book looks at not only what works but also why things work. Teachers will be able to understand why and how the various teaching strategies they are using in their classrooms have a positive effect on children′s learning. The book covers: " how to engage in meaningful reflective practice that will improve your lessons " how to use whiteboards " making mathematical meaning through talk " getting the whole class interacting " thinking, talking and acting mathematically " teaching number - starting points " teaching shape and space - starting points " developing your interactive teaching " a glossary of terms It is aimed at both practising and trainee teachers, and offers clear subject guidance as well as an explanation of a key part of the NNS. It supports both individuals and mathematics subject leaders delivering INSET to their colleagues.