How to Teach Maths

A book by Steve Chinn is welcomed and a real pleasure to read but it also makes us feel uneasy when there is still so much to do. His wealth of experience relating to maths in schools cannot be surpassed globally. His insight and perspectives in this book make it a 'go to' book, I believe this is not only for teachers of maths (and parents) but also for any educator who want to gain a deeper understanding of how we need to take a learner's perspectives. While it is focused on maths, we can also learn about the emotions that are evoked when it is harder for learners to engage in the subject. This is a reflective book honed from extensive experience and practice but it also remains a really practical book. - Professor Amanda Kirby In his latest book Steve Chinn is reflecting upon his extensive experience of teaching mathematics in the classroom and provides a fresh view on how to support learners that are left behind by the current system. He is taking what he has learnt from teaching mathematics to pupils with learning difficulties and distills it into a seasoned vision of how to teach mathematics to all learners. This book is highly readable with many examples and illustrations from his teaching practice. Chapters cover a wide range of important areas of teaching mathematics ranging from an overview of mathematical topics that cause the most difficulties, mathematics anxiety and other learner characteristics that might affect learning to a captivating chapter on the use of materials and visual images. The book is thought-provoking and provides a good overview of the obstacles a successful learner has to overcome. - Dr Silke Goebel, Associate Professor, University of York, UK In his book, Steve Chinn uses his vast experience to strip back maths learning and teaching. He focuses on some fundamental questions relating to how numbers are considered and how this can inform teaching practices. A variety of insightful, practical teaching strategies are provided, and a series of anecdotes are used to bring these to life. The book fosters an inclusive approach to maths learning and teaching. In particular, consideration is given to ways in which learners may approach maths, emphasising the need to tailor presentation and communication to effectively support the development of conceptual understanding. Moreover, the book crosses boundaries and considers how emotional and cognitive barriers may impede maths learning. A critical and common-sense approach is taken when discussing assessment of maths learning difficulties. The book is written in the author's typical accessible style and should appeal to any audience interested in supporting maths learners, especially those who struggle. - Dr Thomas Hunt, Associate Professor in Psychology, University of Derby, UK This book is a must-have for any teacher training programme and maths staff room. Drawing upon Steve's vast background from research, training and the classroom, this book will make both new and experienced teachers reflect upon their own practice. What I particularly admire about Steve is that he doesn't prescribe what we should do, but offers us a critical yet friendly eye into what he has seen over many decades. This book raises the bar in terms of books that educate teachers about how to teach maths. - Bobby Seagull, school maths teacher, author of The Life-Changing Magic of Numbers and BBC presenter for the Monkman & Seagull Genius Guides