What Works in Teaching Maths? Report Summary

This is a summary of two reports that evaluate research on the achievement outcomes of alternative approaches for teaching maths in primary and secondary schools. The reports looked at teaching strategies, ICT and mathematics curricula. Study inclusion criteria included the use of randomised or well-matched control groups, study duration of at least 12 weeks (preferably a year or more), and the use of valid measures independent of treatments. In total, nearly 200 studies met the inclusion criteria across the two reports. The key findings were that:  The most successful mathematics programmes focus on changing daily teaching practices, particularly the use of co-operative learning methods, classroom management, and motivation programmes.  The most successful mathematics programmes encourage pupil interaction.