Abstract
Learning objectives To create interest in and passion for learning and teaching primary and junior secondary school mathematics. To develop a commitment to and persistence in deepening mathematical and mathematical pedagogical knowledge. To look for and recognise student engagement in mathematics. To be able to discuss attributes of a caring student-centred approach to teaching mathematics. To plan lessons and teaching experiences using a student-centred approach. Introduction A sense of service to community and a desire to make a difference in young people’s lives typically characterise people’s reasons for deciding to become a teacher. These objectives signify that prospective and practising teachers care about their students and are focused on enabling their students to learn and achieve their aspirations. Prospective teachers acknowledge that in the primary years of schooling lie the foundational knowledge, skills and learning behaviours necessary for lifelong learning, with each primary teacher working with their students across the broad range of disciplinary, social and cultural fields of knowledge. The student-focused assumption of primary teachers’ practice is revealed in the common saying that ‘primary teachers teach students while secondary teachers teach subjects’. But what does this actually mean? And is it true? How do primary teachers maintain a focus on the student while engaging him or her in particular fields of learning such as mathematics? How do secondary teachers of mathematics focus their attention on the students and their learning in mathematics classrooms? In this chapter original research and practice conducted by the authors are examined in tandem with the work of other researchers and teachers to examine and explain what it means to engage students in mathematical thinking and to teach mathematics using a student-centred approach.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Engaging the Disengaged |
Subtitle of host publication | Inclusive Approaches to Teaching the Least Advantaged |
Editors | Tarquam McKenna, Marcelle Cacciattolo, Mark Vicars |
Place of Publication | Cambridge UK |
Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
Pages | 90-108 |
Number of pages | 19 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781107300910 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781107627987 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |