MATHEMATICAL KNOWLEDGE levels varied substantially among primary teachers, a survey published today shows.
The study of more than 500 teachers in Ireland found that most were good at algebra.
Most were also good at identifying and classifying errors made by students in their work, and at matching diagrams with fraction calculations. Irish teachers found it more difficult to know whether a student’s explanation showed understanding, and whether common “rules of thumb” given to students are always true.
The report, Knowing What Counts: Irish Primary Teachers' Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching, was compiled by Dr Seán Delaney of Coláiste Mhuire, Marino Institute of Education. It is published jointly by the Marino Institute of Education and the Department of Education and Science.
