Tackling Misconceptions in Primary Mathematics

by Kieran Mackle

Did you know that a circle has more than one side? Are you aware of the difference between 1:2 and ½? Could you spot when a 2D shape is actually 3D? Tackling Misconceptions in Primary Mathematics is a practical guide based on the principles that sound subject knowledge is key to fostering understanding, and addressing misconceptions is central to pupil progress. With an emphasis on preventing as well as unpicking misconceptions in the classroom, it offers trainee and practising teachers clear explanations, practical strategies, and examples of the classroom language and dialogue that will help pupils successfully navigate tricky topics. The book demonstrates the importance of preventing misconceptions through what is said, done and presented to children, giving a variety of examples of common misconceptions and exploring how they can be addressed in a classroom environment. Proper intervention at the point of misconception is regarded as a key skill for any outstanding classroom practitioner and the author stresses the value in understanding how the pupil got there and explaining that it’s okay to make mistakes. Misconceptions are only one step away from correctly formed concepts if harnessed with care and skill. This comprehensive text is designed to be read as either a short course introduction, or dipped into as a guide to assist teaching. It is essential reading for trainee primary school teachers on all routes to QTS, as well as mathematics subject leaders and practising teachers looking to inspire the next generation of confident and inquisitive mathematicians.

142 pages, Paperback

Published September 13, 2016

About the author

Kieran Mackle is a MaST (Primary Mathematics Specialist Teacher), action researcher and a Specialist Leader of Education, who has worked with numerous schools and the Medway local authority to provide training and school-to-school support. Upon the completion of his B.Ed. at St. Mary’s University College, Belfast, Kieran moved to Medway where his career progression saw him take on the roles of class teacher, assistant head teacher and deputy head teacher in schools in areas of high socio-economic deprivation. At the beginning of 2017 he moved to the Kent local authority to join a school, initially as Associate leader, before successful appointment as specialist mathematics teacher and collaboration lead across three Gravesham primary schools.

His action research has generally focused on the application of mathematical skills and the development of reasoning, an example of which was published by the ATM in March 2014. In January 2014, he was fortunate enough to join 50 SLEs on the second phase of the DfE’s China Research project which provided the opportunity to visit Shanghai with a view to identifying transferrable strategies that could be employed to provide the highest quality maths education for all pupils.

Kieran's latest publication, "Tackling Misconceptions in Primary Mathematics", was written with the intention of providing student/beginning teachers with the guidance and subject knowledge necessary to facilitate deep, meaningful and relevant mathematical understanding in their pupils, while potentially supporting subject/school leaders, eager to instil the same qualities across their respective teams.

He can be found on Twitter, where he is an active member of the online education community. When not working, Kieran can mostly be found spending time with his wife and two sons, exploring all that the South East of England has to offer.

Reviews

[Aaliyahsbookshelf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read this for my teacher training course, and I’ll be honest, it bored me to tears. This could have been made much more engaging for trainee teachers/teachers generally, rather than just throwing mathematical language at you that does nothing for context. A few good ideas/methods of teaching a certain area, but otherwise I wouldn’t bother if you don’t have to.

MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️