A new resource for teaching maths at primary school has a particular focus on teaching the subject in te reo Maori.
Dr Robin Averill (far right) with (from right) Wellington Girls' College principal Julia Davidson and mathematics department leaders Margaret Priest, Karen Chow and (standing) Frances Hinchliffe. Photo: Victoria University of Wellington
The book 'Mathematics and statistics in the middle years: Evidence and practice' has been published by the New Zealand Council for Educational Research and edited by Robin Averill, a Senior Lecturer in Victoria University of Wellington's School of Education.
Dr Averill said the book was a joint project between researchers and teachers that gave teachers access to a wealth of academic research.
She said each chapter gave practical advice on how to achieve the Ministry of Education's Maori teaching standards.
Two chapters are drawn from teaching practices at Maori immersion schools in the Waikato and at Rotorua, where maths is taught in Maori using exercises such as mapping and pattern analysis.
Dr Averill said linking activities to culture encouraged engagement.