Anita’s whole-school approach to primary mathematics

After 30 years in mathematics education, Anita has learnt that a consistent whole-school approach is essential for high-quality teaching and learning in primary mathematics.

Anita’s whole-school approach empowers teachers and leaders with the content knowledge, strategies and tools they need to deliver learning experiences that support students to improve their understanding and achievement in mathematics.

Anita believes all teachers need a deep understanding of the NSW Mathematics K-6 Syllabus in order to meet the needs of the full range of learners in their classroom.

Anita’s Primary Mathematics Framework

Anita Chin’s Primary Maths Framework (2022) is the culmination of 30 years’ experience in leading and teaching mathematics in Australian schools. The Framework combines a strong evidence base (Mike Askew, Jo Boaler, Barak Rosenshine, Dianne Siemon, Peter Sullivan, Dylan Wiliam and others) with Anita’s extensive knowledge of what works best in primary maths classrooms.

The Framework provides a structure to support schools to implement a consistent and sustainable whole-school approach to maths. It contains four components: 

  • a whole-school approach led by a dedicated crew (navy)
  • requirements for teachers to teach maths (teal)
  • 10 elements of high-quality maths lessons (coloured jigsaw pieces arranged in four layers)
  • personal dispositions and practices (orange).

All of Anita’s professional learning is aligned to her Framework.

Rosenshine’s principles of instruction

Barak Rosenshine has outlined 10 research-based principles of instruction along with suggestions for classroom practice. You should consider these principles of instruction when planning a 5-part lesson as they promote a culture of questioning, modelling, and repeated exposure.

https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/periodicals/Rosenshine.pdf