Parent perceptions of the teaching and learning of primary school mathematics

Abstract

In this exploratory study the writer aims to gain some insight (Wolcott, 1994, p.422) into the nature of parent perceptions of the teaching and learning of primary school mathematics and what these insights can suggest in improving parent involvement in the mathematics learning of their children. Data from the parents of five families, each with at least one child attending a public primary school in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), were used. The writer argues that parents believe they have a role to play in the mathematics education of their children. Parents recognise that there has been a change in the nature of school mathematics since they went to school and that they need assistance from teachers to enable them to contribute in a positive way to maximise mathematics learning outcomes for children.

Date of Award	1998
Original language	English