Big Ideas in primary mathematics: issues and directions
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Date
2013
Authors
Askew, Mike
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Education, University of the Free State
Abstract
This article is located within the literature arguing for attention to Big Ideas in
teaching and learning mathematics for understanding. The focus is on surveying the
literature of Big Ideas and clarifying what might constitute Big Ideas in the primary
Mathematics Curriculum based on both theoretical and pragmatic considerations.
This is complemented by an analysis of the evidence for two Big Ideas in South Africa’s
Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements for Foundation- and Intermediate-
Phase Mathematics. This analysis reveals that, while there is some evidence of
implicit attention to Big Ideas in the Curriculum, without more explicit attention to
these, teachers and, consequently, learners are not likely to develop understanding of
Big Ideas and how they connect aspects of mathematics together.
Description
Keywords
Primary mathematics, Big ideas, CAPS, Foundation, Intermediate, Curriculum, South Africa
Citation
Askew, M. (2013). Big Ideas in primary mathematics: issues and directions. Perspectives in Education: Primary mathematics: addressing the crisis, 31(3), 5-18.