Mathematics Teaching and Learning in the Early Years in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of events in Aotearoa/New Zealand mathematics education over the past decade or so. We begin with the curriculum reforms of the 1990s that led to the development of the current mathematics curriculum (Ministry of Education, 1992), and document developments in policy, resources and approaches to teaching. There has been a strong emphasis on improving student achievement, and the overview illustrates how developments in the school sector have been accompanied by a focus on early childhood education, adult numeracy, and community involvement in children's learning. We conclude by reflecting on the current curriculum review, and what this might mean for practice.