Teaching Primary School Mathematics and Statistics: Evidence-based practice

Teaching Primary School Mathematics and Statistics: Evidence-based practice. Robin Averill and Roger Harvey (Eds.) NZCER Press, Wellington, 2010. 319pp.

This book invites readers to critically reflect on their teaching in mathematics and statistics education and engage in developing a new and improved practice. It draws on much mathematics education literature and applies it firmly to the classroom context. This book is a collaborative work from a variety of authors representing universities, schools and other institutions around the country. The book is ideal for the primary or intermediate mathematics teacher who is, or wishes to become, a curriculum leader in this subject. It would also provide an excellent text source for students of mathematics education at the pre-service level, or for those engaged in a post-graduate diploma or studying for a master's degree. The book also provides those already qualified with a quick way of becoming familiar with the latest research in the field.

The book is structured in two parts. The first is titled: Developing mathematics content knowledge and focuses on mathematics and statistics content, as linked to the New Zealand curriculum, as well as pedagogical approaches relevant to each strand. It is pleasing to see a strong representation from strands other than numeracy, redressing the imbalance in focus since the Numeracy Project's inception. The second section is titled: Pedagogical content knowledge of mathematics and focuses on more general teaching approaches, applicable to all areas. Both sections contain references to appropriate literature.

Each chapter contains a number of Points to ponder, boxed sections that explicitly invite the reader to reflect on either their own practice or the messages in the text....