EDU10003 The World Of Maths Assessment 2 ESSAY SM

EDU10003 The World of Maths Assessment Two It is crucial to develop in children the ability to tackle problems with initiative and confidence†¦mathematics has changed from careful rehearsal of standard procedures to a focus on mathematical thinking and communication to prepare them for the world of tomorrow (Anghileri, 2006, p.2). Mathematical understanding influences all areas of life from social to private and civil. Therefore maths education is widely believed to be the single most important aspect to establishing opportunities for young people; unfortunately, many struggle with mathematics and become indifferent as they continue to encounter obstacles with regard to engagement (Anthony Walshaw, 2009). Knowing a†¦show more content†¦According to Anthony Walshaw, (2009) within a constructivist view, it is a teacher’s role to facilitate the learning of a child by providing a resource rich environment from which they guide a students learning. A student within a constructivist-learning environment must become engaged in the learning process by becoming a researcher, identifying a problem, collecting and analysing data and formulating a conclusion. This process of engagement provides a student with endless opportunity to develop his or her own understanding and knowledge. An educators abili ty to understand this learning theory as a process of construction and development provides a conceptual framework from which to build a teaching practice. In comparison, the behaviourist theory assumes a learner is a ‘clean slate’, essentially a passive learner responding to external stimuli. This assumption is flawed in the sense that a child is not simply a ‘clean slate’. In fact, a child is introduced to, and engages in mathematical thinking at a very early age. In recent years, the field of early childhood education and care has embraced sociocultural theory (Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, 2007), providing children with opportunities through play and day to day activities, to begin their interactions with maths concepts, for example, a child begins learning about concepts such as recognising and creating shapes,