How can Australia's maths performance be improved?

Few students studying mathematics and declining performance harms the economy and provides challenges for teachers.

A conference at UNSW, Bringing Maths to Life, on November 23 will draw on leading Australian mathematics educators and practitioners to help teachers meet the challenge — strengthening basic foundations and promoting critical thinking.

“Raising the performance of Australian students requires lifting the performance of low attainers without negatively impacting the performance of those currently doing well,” said Professor Kim Beswick from the School of Education at UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture.

The opening address at the conference will be delivered by maths teacher Eddie Woo, while Beswick will present a keynote asking the question: Is lifting mathematics learning for all learners possible?

Beswick will also present research on teachers’ beliefs on student capability to learn mathematics, student engagement, what mathematics is and what it means to learn and know mathematics.

Other keynotes and workshops from leaders in the field such as Professor Di Siemon and Professor Catherine Attard will address central themes of the new maths curriculum.

Image credit: iStock.com/Ababsolutum