Numeracy and Beyond: Applying Mathematics in the Primary School

by Hughes, Martin; Desforges, Charles; Mitchell, Christine; Carre, Clive

• ISBN13: 9780335201297
• ISBN10: 0335201296
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-03-01
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Summary

One of the fundamental problems in education is that of applying skills and knowledge which learners have gained in one context to problems they encounter in another. This is particularly so in mathematics, where the problems encountered by learners in applying mathematical knowledge are well documented.Using and applying mathematics has been a central component of the National Curriculum in mathematics. However, the National Numeracy Strategy has adopted a new approach, in which 'using and applying' is integrated throughout the mathematics curriculum. This book aims to help teachers develop their understanding and practice in this crucial area. It is based on the findings of a major research study, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, in which a group of primary teachers worked closely with the research team to develop their thinking and practice. The book provides a clear conceptual analysis of the problem of application, together with extensive examples of ways in which teachers can address it in their classrooms at Key Stages 1 and 2. A novel feature of the book is that it includes first-hand accounts of practice in Japanese classrooms, and outlines what teachers in the UK and elsewhere may learn from Japanese methods.

Author Biography

Charles Desforges was a school teacher for ten years. He has been Professor of Education at the University of Exeter since 1987 and is currently Director of the ESRC research programme on teaching and learning.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(4)
The problem of application	4	(15)
Application in the mathematics curriculum	19	(18)
Teachers' ideas about application	37	(14)
Teaching for application at Key Stage 1	51	(20)
Teaching for application at Key Stage 2	71	(23)
Teaching for application in Japan	94	(13)
Application in theory and practice	107	(13)
References	120	(2)
Index	122