Referencing Styles : APA
This assessment requires you to write an essay that explores the nature and development of mathematical thinking and numeracy processes in children.
Assessment details
Anghileri (2006) says that children’s development of mathematical thinking has not changed over time, however our understandings of how children engage with maths and numeracy has. It is our role as educators to demonstrate to children that mathematics is about playfulness, fun and creativity (Pound, 2006).
Following this, you are required to write your essay in response to the following quote:
Your essay should be informed by your understanding of theories and contemporary perspectives of the nature and development of children’s mathematical thinking. Weeks 6 and 7 of your learning materials will give you an understanding of both historical and contemporary perspectives. These weeks also show you the impact upon pedagogy in contemporary education across early childhood and primary contexts. They will also help you to describe why maths teaching and learning has left behind the notion of rehearsal and is more about playfulness, fun and creativity.
Essay structure:
Introduction: Write a clear introduction which frames the essay (approximately 10% of the word count).
Main body: Identify and briefly discuss the quote to scaffold the following sections of the essay.
Select and justify one theoretical perspective on learning that is best suited to the learning and teaching of maths.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the selected learning theory and also explain why it is better suited (in comparison with other learning theories) to the learning and teaching of maths.
Identify and describe why maths teaching and learning has left behind rehearsal and should be about playfulness, fun and creativity; this links to pedagogy.
It is crucial to develop in children the ability to tackle problems with initiative and confidence… mathematics has changed from careful rehearsal of standard procedures to a focus on mathematical thinking and communication to prepare them for the world of tomorrow (Anghileri, 2006, p. 2).