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.

Read less