Maths lessons reduced to a simple exercise in memorising facts instead of understanding and applying equations

By andrewross on March 10, 2009 in Education News

Maths lessons are being reduced to a simple exercise in memorising facts instead of understanding and applying equations, it was claimed. Experts said pupils experienced a “less than broad and balanced timetable” for at least five months in the run up to tests.

The comments were made by the Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education. It forms part of the organisation’s official response to a Government review of Sats. In its submission, ACME said:

“Learning mathematics is as much, if not more, about its understanding, reasoning and application than it is the ability to recall facts and remember an algorithm. Using and applying mathematics is not easily tested so at present many pupils experience an impoverished mathematics curriculum as a result.

We believe that a core purpose of mathematics education is to learn, understand and appreciate the importance of mathematics and not to simply to pass tests in the subject.”

Ministers are considering replacing the tests with shorter exams pupils sit up to twice a year between the age of seven and 11 – Key Stage 2. Under plans, children would either pass or fail the test – and move up to the next level when they succeed. But ACME, which is part funded by the DCSF and the Gatsby Foundation charity, said the reforms would make the situation even worse. It called for a new system in which teachers assess pupil performance in the classroom.

“It is our belief that the preparation for testing at Key Stage 2 is disproportionate to the educational outcomes for the individuals taking the tests,” it said. “If a broad and balanced curriculum is to be encouraged then schools need advice that supports them to make judgments about their pupils without the pressure of single snapshots of attainment.”