E-grāmata: Reflective Primary Mathematics: A guide for student teachers

If you are amongst the many student teachers who feel in any way anxious about teaching mathematics to children or about returning to a classroom yourself to learn mathematics again as part of your initial teacher training, then this book is intended for you. Teaching mathematics can be challenging, and returning to a mathematics classroom yourself may not inspire you with confidence. This book can help you to become an assured teacher who can give young learners the high quality mathematics education that they deserve, by exploring the philosophy that lies behind good mathematics teaching and its application in the classroom. 

It will guide you through a reflective process of considering various aspects of mathematics, your own perceptions of mathematics based on your past mathematical experiences and your awareness of the different mathematical perceptions that student teachers may have which can affect the way mathematics is learnt and taught. Throughout the book you are encouraged to put your own thoughts on mathematics learning and teaching under the microscope and examine your perceptions and understanding in order to develop as a critically reflective teacher, aware of potential challenges and what underpins effective mathematics teaching in primary schools.

Coverage includes:

·          developing your own philosophy towards mathematics teaching

·          understanding links between confidence and learning

·          the importance of subject knowledge

·          common beliefs and attitudes among mathematics learners

·          how to develop your relationship with the subject.

"This original book shows the crucial importance of personal philosophies of mathematics. Using current research it guides us to reflect on our attitudes and beliefs. Essential reading for anybody interested in mathematics and its teaching."

- Paul Ernest, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics Education, University of Exeter