Mathematics/numeracy is essential for students’ successful interaction in society as it enables them to:

• increase the ability for critical thinking
• make informed judgements, choices, and decisions based on available data
• create positive identities and preferred futures
• engage in effective life long learning

In achieving these aims effective learning and teaching in mathematics/numeracy should encourage students to:

• construct their own understandings based upon previous experiences
• connect their informal and formal knowledge
• make links between the formal mathematics and relevant real world situations
• explore mathematical concepts through problem-solving
• be challenged by rich mathematical experiences
• communicate their understandings in a variety of ways
• apply their knowledge by implementing strategies that make sense to them
• share their ideas with others and work individually and collaboratively when solving mathematical problems
• participate actively in learning situations
• take risks in their learning; and
• reflect upon their strategies

The Learning and Student Wellbeing Team - Numeracy provides support to schools through a range of professional learning models including projects, networks and school in-service. In-service focuses on needs identified by schools.

Consistent with the South Australian Curriculum, Standards and Accountability Framework (SACSA) all professional learning is based on a constructivist model of learning, teaching and assessing in mathematics.

All professional learning has a focus on students’ identities and on their view of themselves as learners of mathematics. The impact of the classroom environment, teaching practices and students’ access to the curriculum are prioritised.

Please find below a report titled " Australian Government Literacy and Numeracy in the Middle Years of Schooling Initiative: South Australian Project Report" (2007) written by the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia, South Australian Department of Education and Children's Services and Catholic Education South Australia.  

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