Abstract

Why should young children learn mathematics? What mathematics should be in the curriculum and how should it be taught? Why do children differ so much in their mastery of primary school mathematics? What are the factors responsible for the production and maintenance of number difficulties? These questions continue to elicit strongly held and divergent views. Although discussion and empirical research can contribute much they are unlikely to settle them. Discussions of these questions provide a context for appreciating the chapters in this section. Improving how we understand mathematical development and how we can provide better support to young mathematics learners are worthwhile aspirations. These chapters outline very promising approaches.