A Perspective for Teaching Elementary School Mathematics based on the Research Literature

It is well known that elementary school mathematics teaching is undergoing reform in many countries of the world. In most cases, reform work in mathematics education is determined by well-researched recommendations included in the individual country’s national documents. For example, in the United States, Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (April, 2000) appeared in just the last few months and, as with its predecessors [the Curriculum Standards (1989), Teaching Standards (1991) and Assessment Standards (1995)], it will have an important influence on work to improve mathematics curricula, teaching and assessment.