This paper adds to a discussion initiated by Askew (2007) about two contrasting views of scaffolding; as a "tool for results" and a "tool-and-result". The study took place in four primary classrooms within a low socioeconomic setting. Two classroom episodes drawn from one of the teacher's classroom, illustrate the two different…

Opportunities for five students to access higher mathematics and critical thinking is often restricted until they have developed sufficient knowledge. This case study focuses on two reception class teachers and their teacher actions used to develop mathematical reasoning with their students. The findings illustrate the impact these teachers have…

Participation structures are important in relation to who gets equitable access to mathematics within classrooms premised on co-construction of mathematical reasoning. This paper takes a strength-based focus to explore how two teachers extended their Pasifika students' known repertoires of practice to encompass others, which supported them to…

Research shows that developing students' resilience can rapidly raise student achievement in mathematics. Despite recognising its importance, teachers often do not have access to a repertoire of practices to develop resilient mathematics learners. The present study explores aspects of resilience among a cohort of students from three low…

In many Western countries, there has been an emphasis on ways in which to support teachers to shift practice from traditional mathematics instruction to inquiry-based classrooms. As a form of professional learning and development, lesson study offers the potential for teachers to develop their ability to respond to students' thinking through…

In this position paper, we review the practice of differentiation -- a universal concept aimed to support diverse students in our classrooms. In exposing the wide-ranging practices of differentiated instruction, and critiques of current implementation, we argue that differentiation in the mathematics classroom needs to be reframed in terms of a…

Patterns of participation in mathematics are often affected by power and status structures in the classroom. This case study focuses on two 10-year-old students who have achievement and status and power issues in mathematics, within a class of predominantly Maori and Pasifika students from low socio-economic backgrounds. The findings illustrate…

Grouping children by achievement levels is a thriving practice in New Zealand primary school mathematics classrooms. In this paper we look at the impact of a formative intervention project--"Developing Communities of Mathematics Inquiry"--that required a whole-school shift to mixed achievement grouping. Engeström's Cultural Historical…

While there is widespread agreement that "all" learners of the 21st century need to be numerate and literate, reforming pedagogical practices to achieve such an outcome is challenging for many teachers. This is a report of one aspect of a project which aims to integrate a culturally responsive pedagogical mathematics practice within…

Despite the Ministry of Education Statement of Intent 2014-2018 that the performance of the education system for priority students--Maori, Pasifika, students with special education needs and students from low socio-economic areas needs to improve rapidly these groups remain a concern in the New Zealand Education System. This article explores what…

Interaction and dialogue are seen as essential components of mathematics classrooms of the 21st century. In this paper we explore the pedagogical actions a teacher takes to reposition his diverse learners as active and engaged participants in the classroom. The findings illustrate the need for explicit teacher modelling of ways for students to…

"Learning the Work of Ambitious Mathematics" project was developed to support prospective teachers learn the work of ambitious mathematics teaching. Building on the work of U.S. researchers in the "Learning in, from, and for Teaching Practice" project, we investigate new ways to make practice studyable within the university…

How prospective teachers can best be prepared to teach effectively in mathematics classrooms is a topic of current concern. In this paper, we describe our exploration of ways in which prospective teachers were supported to translate what they learnt in mathematics methods classes into pedagogical practice. We illustrate how the use of discourse…