Purpose: The aim of this study is to establish which specific cognitive abilities are phenotypically related to reading skill in adolescence and determine whether this phenotypic correlation is explained by polygenetic overlap. Method: In an Australian population sample of twins and non-twin siblings of European ancestry (734 [less than or equal…

A teacher of mathematics knows mathematics as a teacher and as a mathematician. Whilst the existing research on teacher knowledge contributes to our understanding of the ways of knowing mathematics as a teacher, little is known about ways of knowing mathematics as a mathematician. Guided by the conceptual framework of mathematical practices (MPs)…

Developing students' reading and numeracy skills remain key goals of contemporary schooling. In Australia, the National Assessment Program -- Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests have assessed these skills since 2008. Previous research found a significant gender gap in favour of females for the NAPLAN writing test, yet no study has examined…

An important topic of study in secondary mathematics is non-linear functions, including quadratic equations. In this study, findings from 25 Year 11 students indicated that difficulties with critical prerequisite concepts such as algebraic conventions impeded students' success in understanding and working with quadratics. Analysis of student…

This edited volume explores how mathematics education is re/configured in relation to its past, present, and future when the rhetoric of critical global citizenship education is being applied to diverse local settings. Drawing upon diverse theoretical and methodological traditions across the globe including countries in South America, Asia,…

Previous research into the teaching and learning of surface area emphasises the use of nets and formulae to calculate the total surface area of three-dimensional objects despite enduring student difficulties. This study investigated an instructional intervention for Year 8 mathematics students (n = 47; 13-14 years old) designed to elicit multiple…

Using structural equation modeling, a previous study investigated the longitudinal relationships of role-related mathematics identity, efficacy, and interest to grade 12 mathematics performance. The results indicated that both mathematics identity and educational expectations at grade 11 were statistically and substantively significant predictors…

Introduction: Textbook tasks are considered as tools for implementing, endorsing mathematical thinking and thereby creating chances for mathematics learning. Therefore, textbook tasks can potentially influence and structure the way students think and can serve to limit or to broaden their views of the subject matter with which they are engaged.…

Research on gender issues and mathematics education is often conducted in classroom settings and/or with teachers, students, and parents. However, perspectives about mathematics from adults beyond teachers and parents can have an impact on students. Thus, we conducted research in Australia and Canada about the general public's views of gender and…

Storytelling is a valuable form of human expression that allows audience members to connect their own experiences with the narrative. As a pedagogical tool, storytelling has been explored mainly in primary school education but rarely in higher education. However, its potential for assisting students in learning mathematics and the societal…

Mathematical reasoning, which plays a critical role in students' capacity to make sense of mathematics, is now emphasised more strongly in various curricula internationally. However, reasoning is sometimes difficult for teachers to recognise, let alone teach. This case study considers video of one teacher's implementation of a problem-solving…

Creative thinking in mathematics is an essential 21st Century skill that can be developed and encouraged through an exploration of mathematical concepts. In the context of the new "Australian Curriculum: Mathematics," this article explores the possibilities that are unlocked when students engage with tasks creatively in mathematics. By…

Research has shown that many primary students experience transition barriers between additive and multiplicative thinking. This paper analysed responses from 253 Years 3 to 6 students to a diagnostic assessment which consists of whole number multiplication and division problems involving equal groups, arrays, multiplicative comparison and…

According to the author, the "Australian Curriculum: Mathematics (AC:M) requires primary school students to measure the attributes of angle, time, temperature, length, area, capacity and mass. This article outlines some misconceptions held by primary school students which appear to stem from them not understanding terminology concerning the…

The current paper overviews a nine-month PhD study that investigated the impact of learning mathematics through sequences of challenging tasks on the mathematical competence and attitudes of Year 2 students (n = 59). Adopting a Self-Determination Theory lens, a pragmatist paradigm and a mixed-method design, the study found that at all levels of…