Study suggests Australia needs to revamp math education

A new study shows Australia’s math results are being dragged down by underprepared primary school teachers, ineffective teaching methods, and deepening inequities, leaving too many students without the strong foundations they need to succeed in school and life. A recent Grattan Institute survey of 1,745 teachers and school leaders across the country found some teachers lack confidence to teach Year 6 (11-12-year-olds) math, and many have concerns about their colleagues’ ability to teach math. The report’s lead author and Grattan Institute Education Program Director Jordana Hunter said math has taken a backseat in Australian education. “Most primary teachers are expected to teach maths, but not all have the maths knowledge, confidence, and training to teach it well. This isn’t fair for students. And it’s not fair for teachers either,” he added.