Unlocking Mathematics Teaching

by Valsa Koshy (Editor), Jean Murray

This is a very practical guide to the teaching of Primary numeracy for students and teachers. Accessible and interactive in style, it offers strategies, activities and examples to develop understanding and confidence in teaching numeracy and implementing the National Numeracy Strategy. Key features include the components of numeracy, the principles for teaching numeracy to all children, how to teach numeracy to low attainers and able children, how to incorporate ICT in numeracy teaching, guidance on assessing children's numeracy, and the art of developing problem solving skills. The content is informed and enhanced by the authors' own research and many years of involvement in teaching children, in-service work and teacher training.

184 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 2002

About the author

Valsa Koshy is a distinguished educator and researcher in mathematics education, with a career spanning several decades across teaching, advisory, and academic roles. Born in Kerala, South India, she earned degrees in Chemistry and Physics before moving to the UK in 1969. After 11 years teaching in primary schools, she joined the Inner London Education Authority as a mathematics advisor, supporting teachers across London. Her academic career began in 1988, and since 1996 she has worked at Brunel University, where she is Professor of Education and Director of the Brunel Able Children’s Education (BACE) Centre. Her work integrates professional development, curriculum innovation, and inclusive approaches to talent development. She has led numerous nationally funded research projects on mathematics learning, gifted education, and urban education. Koshy is especially noted for promoting Action Research and Design Research methodologies to make research accessible to practitioners. She supervises doctoral students from the UK and abroad and has delivered over 30 keynote addresses internationally. Her work continues to influence policy and practice in recognising and nurturing potential in all learners, particularly in underserved communities.