The really useful maths book

Part 2 - Developing Interactive Teaching Strategies

Part II of The Really Useful Maths Book uses and builds on the activities introduced in Part I. It develops a rationale and a pedagogy for extending and developing mathematical understanding beyond what can be achieved by a single activity, puzzle or problem. It provides discussion around deepening activities in order to present them to children in ways that allow for greater insights into the structure of mathematics.

The key questions explored in Part II are:

1. Can international research help us improve our teaching and learning?
2. Can a study of classroom dynamics help us teach more effectively?
3. What can we learn from a closer look at how we use mathematical resources?
4. Why is the context in which maths is learned so critical to understanding mathematical ideas?
5. How can we build conceptual bridges to support learning?

Exploration of these key issues is supported here through a series of discussion documents, bringing together text, video and other links.

Discussion documents in:

• Section A – Teaching and Learning from international perspectives
• Section B – Children and teachers interacting
• Section C – Resources and planning for teaching and learning
• Section D – Contexts for making sense of mathematics
• Section E – Bridges, strategies and personal qualities