Visible Maths: Using representations and structure to enhance mathematics teaching in schools

Viewing the maths lesson as an opportunity for pupils to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and relationships, rather than simply to follow fixed processes that lead to 'the answer', is increasingly recognised as the pinnacle of best practice in maths education.

In this book, Peter Mattock builds on this approach and explores in colourful detail a variety of visual tools and techniques that can be used in the classroom to deepen pupils' understanding of mathematical operations. Covering vectors, number lines, algebra tiles, ordered-pair graphs and many other representations, Visible Maths equips teachers with the confidence and practical know-how to take their pupils' learning to the next level.

The book looks at the strengths, and flaws, of each representation so that both primary and secondary school teachers of maths can make informed judgements about which representations will benefit their pupils. The exploration begins at the very basics of number and operation, and extends all the way through to how the representations apply to algebraic expressions and manipulations. As well as sharing his expert knowledge on the subject, Peter draws on relevant research and his own experience of using the representations in order to support teachers in understanding how these representations can be implemented effectively.

Visible Maths also includes a glossary covering the key mathematical terms, as well as a chapter dedicated to answering some of the questions that may arise from the reading of the book. Furthermore, the accompanying diagrams and models are displayed in full colour to illustrate the conceptual takeaways and teaching techniques discussed.

Suitable for teachers of maths in primary and secondary school settings.

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Peter Mattock's Visible Maths: Using representations and structure to enhance mathematics teaching in schools supports teachers in their use of concrete and pictorial representations to illustrate key mathematical ideas and operations.

Peter Mattock has been teaching maths for over a decade. He is a specialist leader of education (SLE) and an accredited secondary maths professional development lead, who regularly presents at conferences across the country. Peter also develops teaching for mastery in the secondary school classroom, having been part of the first cohort of specialists trained in mastery approaches by the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM).