Extending Mathematical Ability : through Whole Class Teaching

Citation

Nolan, T. (1998), "Extending Mathematical Ability : through Whole Class Teaching", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 12 No. 2, p. 102. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijem.1998.12.2.102.2

This book by David Fielker, an experienced teacher and provider of in‐service education for primary teachers, is in a new series edited by Shirley Clarke, a leading figure in British primary mathematics.

The author sets out clearly for whom the book is intended:

1. 1.

   1the teacher who is worried about catering for a wide range of ability in mathematics, particularly the brighter pupils;

2. 2.

   2the teacher who is dissatisfied with the routine of textual schemes, and wants to do something more relevant;

3. 3.

   3the co‐ordinator of mathematics who wants to assist colleagues in the improvement of their teaching;

4. 4.

   4the advisor or other in‐service provider who wishes to provide teachers with techniques and strategies for change;

5. 5.

   5anyone organizing special mathematical activities for gifted children.

In chapter 13 entitled “Not a Summary” the author states:

This book is not a course. It differs from a course, among other ways, in that you can sample it when you will, dip into it, try out ideas, think about implications, re‐read parts of it, use it to suit your own style of learning. What you get out of it will depend upon you, not only in what you do about it, but also in who you are and where you are.

It is certain that this book adds a new and much‐needed enlightened dimension to both the study of mathematics and the teaching of mathematics. The book succeeds in bringing out a sense of wonder, discovery and joy in the experiencing of mathematics in the classroom and is recommended to all those for whom the author intends this book.

There is at the end of the book a very useful index of mathematical topics.