Some maths teachers just don't add up

Nearly one in 10 primary school maths teachers is failing in the job, a study has revealed.

The Education Review Office found 9 per cent of teachers reviewed were "less" effective in "all aspects of good quality of teaching of mathematics".

The ERO identified six areas of good quality maths teaching and across its study of 121 schools found 51 per cent of teachers were effective or highly effective in all six areas of teaching maths to year four to eight students.

A further 40 per cent were effective in some areas but not all.

"Therefore, although about half of the teachers reviewed were effective, or highly effective, in their teaching of mathematics, a large proportion had areas for development in aspects of their teaching," the report says.

One notable finding in the report was that 23 per cent of maths classes had low student motivation.

"In most of these classes, students were working on tasks, but many students appeared to lack motivation and challenge.

"Their lessons were not stimulating, did not incorporate practical ideas, or match the students' interests or skill levels."

But the review found most students enjoyed their maths lessons.

- NZPA