Why is it that so many pupils are put off by maths seeing it as uninspiringand irrelevant and that so many choose to drop it as soon as they can? Why isit socia... » 

Why is it that so many pupils are put off by maths seeing it as uninspiringand irrelevant and that so many choose to drop it as soon as they can? Why isit socially acceptable to be bad at maths? Does the maths curriculum reallyprepare pupils for life?This book presents some answers to these questions helping teachers to thinkthrough their own attitudes to teaching and learning and to work with pupilstowards more effective and inspiring mathematical engagement. Part I of thebook explores the nature of school mathematics showing how the curriculum hasbeen developed over the years and how increasing effort has been devoted toimproving the quality of mathematics teaching with little apparent effect.Part II focuses on ways of thinking about classroom mathematics which takeaccount of social cultural political and historical aspects. The chaptersbring together a collection of activities resources and discussion which willhelp teachers develop new ways of teaching and learning maths.This book will be essential reading for all maths teachers including mathsspecialists on initial teacher training courses. «