Research behind the Best Evidence Synthesis

Item number
BES004

BES selection
Mathematics BES

Format
Journal article

Title
A new mathematics pedagogy for the early years : in search of principles for practice

Author
Gifford, Sue

Publisher
Taylor & Francis Group

Publication Place
London

Publishing Year
2004

Source
International journal of early years education, v.12 n.2 p.99-115

ISSN
09669780

Subject
Teaching

Descriptors
Teaching ; Preschool children ; Parents ; Numeracy ; Number concepts ; Mathematics education ; Mathematics teaching

Age Focus
Young children (0 to 4 years)

Education level
Early childhood education

Language
English

Country
United Kingdom

How to obtain
Ask at your public or university library. If they don’t have it they can borrow it from another library for a small charge.

Abstract
The new English mathematics curriculum for three to five year olds requires adults to teach number. How this should be done is not clear: this article looks at current theory and research in order to recommend some teaching strategies. A new mathematics pedagogy is proposed, based on holistic principles and considering children's mathematical learning in terms of cognitive, physical, social and emotional aspects. A range of cognitive processes, an emphasis on large-scale activity and multisensory learning, concern for children's self-esteem and agency in their own learning, diverse home experiences and supportive pair and group situations are identified as key features. Teaching strategies therefore need to take account of these, for instance by avoiding direct questioning. This framework is then applied to two official English guidance documents, which are found to give mixed and conflicting messages, and inappropriate recommendations. (Author)

______________________________________________________________________________

The Iterative Best Evidence Synthesis programme (BES) : New Zealand Ministry of Education
http://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/themes/BES