Effective teaching of mathematics

The Ministry is migrating nzmaths content to Tāhurangi.           
Relevant and up-to-date teaching resources are being moved to Tāhūrangi (tahurangi.education.govt.nz). 
When all identified resources have been successfully moved, this website will close. We expect this to be in June 2024. 
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Effective Pedagogy in Pāngarau/Mathematics: Best Evidence Synthesis Iteration (BES)Anthony & Walshaw (2009) described ten principles of effective mathematics teaching based on their report; Effective Pedagogy in Pāngarau/Mathematics: Best Evidence Synthesis Iteration (BES). These principles are based on a large body of research and continue to be supported by recent research findings (for example, Charalambous & Praetorius, 2018; Hattie et. al., 2016; Hunter, Hunter, Jorgensen, & Choy, 2016; Schoenfeld et. al., 2020; Sullivan, 2011). As such, they continue to provide a solid foundation for improving practice in New Zealand classrooms.

The links below:

  • describe each principle, in some instances reframed for current use
  • note research-informed developments in the understanding of ideas relating to that principle along with any updates to terminology
  • provide some clear and specific guidance for implementing the principle in regular classroom practice. Each guidance point is illustrated with an example of effective practice.
  1. An ethic of care
  2. Arranging for learning
  3. Building on students' thinking
  4. Worthwhile mathematical tasks
  5. Making connections (Tūhono)
  6. Assessment for learning
  7. Mathematical communication
  8. Mathematical language
  9. Tools and representations
  10. Teacher knowledge

Click for a list of references used in developing this resource.