Andy Noyes 
Rethinking School Mathematics 

Why is it that so many pupils are put off by maths, seeing it as uninspiring and irrelevant, and that so many choose to drop it as soon as they can? Why is it socially acceptable to be bad at maths? Does the maths curriculum really prepare pupils for life?

This book presents some answers to these questions, helping teachers to think through their own attitudes to teaching and learning, and to work with pupils towards more effective and inspiring mathematical engagement. Part I of the book explores the nature of school mathematics – showing how the curriculum has been developed over the years, and how increasing effort has been devoted to improving the quality of mathematics teaching, with little apparent effect. Part II focuses on ways of thinking about classroom mathematics which take account of social, cultural, political and historical aspects. The chapters bring together a collection of activities, resources and discussion which will help teachers develop new ways of teaching and learning maths.

This book will be essential reading for all maths teachers, including maths specialists on initial teacher training courses.

Table des matières

PART I

Mathematics – The Subject We Love to Hate

Who Does Mathematics?

‘What′s the Point of Doing This?’

The Mathematics Curriculum

Rebalancing the Curriculum

PART II

Mathematics and Cultures

Mathematics and Society

Mathematics and Citizenship

Future Directions

A propos de l’auteur

Professor Andy Noyes is Deputy Head of the School of Education. He joined the University in 2001, having taught in a local secondary school for a number of years. He has been programme leader for the Professional Doctorate in Education, full-time PGCE course and the MA in Learning and Teaching. Andy is a member of the Centre for Research in Mathematics Education (CRME) and has a wide variety of research interests within mathematics education and education more generally. He has recently directed large research projects with funding from the ESRC and QCA. In 2012 Andy was appointed to the Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education.