Maths education

A very carefully run experiment in Ballarat High School shows definite benefits for schools like Ballarat H.S. These benefits, and critical comments, are detailed.

The way infant children learnt some new maths was matched with the way their teachers taught. The result is some more hints for the struggle of 'how to get it right.'

5- and 6-year-olds can solve problems our syllabuses assume they cannot. This evidence of abstract thought and mathematical problem solving strategies should encourage everyone to aim high.

Methods of assessment are themselves assessed: norm based, mastery based and interview techniques have been researched. Problems with each are faced and alternatives discussed.

Two articles, the first on school-based enterprises in Australia and changes research suggests (New Zealand information too): the second a report from Britain called 'Impoverished by the Need to Make Money.'