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Early Maths improves, but teachers need more guidance

Posted on 11 October 2004

Children are getting better at Maths at Key Stage 1 - but that may be due to a closer match between what they are taught and what they will be tested on, concludes a new study by the University of York. It is unclear whether there have been gains in levels of understanding.

A key feature of the Government's National Numeracy Strategy introduced in September 1999 was a daily Maths lesson for the whole class. This was to be in three parts - an oral or mental session, teaching and pupil activities, and a final round-up of the work.

The University of York Mathematics Education Review Group - co-ordinated by the Department of Educational Studies - this year looked at the impact of the daily maths lessons in primary schools by reviewing 18 studies in depth. They ranged in format from electronic databases to key journals and conference proceedings.

There [is] a major need for in-service training for primary teachers to highlight the use of 'interactive' teaching

Dr Chris Kyriacou

And while the group found some evidence that Key Stage 1 pupils have got better at Maths, the researchers feel that the gains over the last few years may be a reflection of a closer match between what is being taught and what is being tested, rather than improvements in children's understanding.

Dr Chris Kyriacou of the Department of Educational Studies said: "We found that teachers liked the new approach. However, the intention that the classes should promote discussion and strategic thinking hasn't happened, and there is some evidence that lower attaining pupils may have difficulty with the stricter time management involved."

Dr Kyriacou added that there was a major need for in-service training for primary teachers to highlight the use of 'interactive' teaching (where teachers spark off discussion between themselves and the class), and to strengthen their own knowledge of mathematics so that they can take advantage of every opportunity in the classroom to help children understand the subject better.