Explain this
A-Z of Key Concepts in Primary Mathematics
How the publisher describes it:
“This concise, quick-check alphabetical guide will help all primary teachers feel confident and secure with key terminology and concepts used in teaching and learning mathematics. The knowledge and understanding covered by the book is underpinned by the requirements of the National Curriculum at Key Stages 1 and 2 and the National Numeracy Strategy. Also included are suggestions for useful teaching resources as well as further reading to support professional development.”
Review by Derek Kassem
In brief:
The concepts are very well defined and are cross-referenced to enable the reader to make links between different ideas. As with a great many texts these days this book is clearly linked to the National Numeracy Strategy’s Mathematical Vocabulary booklet - now known as the Primary Strategy.
“The title seems to promise more than what can be delivered in 76 pages”
There are an increasing number of reference books on the market and they vary in quality, style and purpose. This book attempts to fit in a niche not often addressed. The book seems to stress accessibility, usefulness and portability. It is a small tome of only seventy-six pages, though one would expect more with what is a rather grand title.
The book itself is aimed at those intending teachers, newly qualified teachers and any one else who requires a quick reference to some of the key ideas and concepts that are encountered on a daily basis in the primary mathematics classroom. The concepts are very well defined and are cross-referenced to enable the reader to make links between different ideas. As with a great many texts these days this book is clearly linked to the National Numeracy Strategy’s Mathematical Vocabulary booklet - now known as the Primary Strategy.
The entries also include rather nice, black and white line drawings that illustrate and enhance the various definitions in the book. I would agree with the author who suggests it might also be a useful resource for children in Key Stage 2 to use in group-work. Though I do feel that the more able child in years five and six would be able to use the book without adult support.
If I do have any concerns about this book it is the title seems to promise more than what can be delivered in 76 pages - though this might just be my reading. On the other hand the book is cheap at only £10 and is clearly useful to a fairly wide range of users and therefore a number of copies could be purchased for a classroom library. I would suggest that the book is used as a starting point rather than a final reference.
Derek Kassem • Senior Lecturer, Liverpool: John Moores University
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Learning Matters; 1 edition (17 May 2003)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1903300487
ISBN-13: 978-1903300480
Product Dimensions: 20.8 x 13.8 x 1 cm
