# Transcript

Clare Lee

Hello. I'm Clare Lee. I have taught mathematics for many years and researched effective mathematics teaching and I've brought both of these together in authoring this course.

Mathematics is an essential of the school curriculum for very good reasons. Without mathematics buildings and structures would not be built safely. Economists couldn’t function but perhaps more surprisingly, some might think, hairdressers must use equations and proportionately when dyeing hair and nurses have to use mathematics accurately every day in their job.

Given the prevalence of mathematics concepts in an effectively functioning society it should be a surprise that mathematics teachers are asked, “why do we have to do this?” But it is asked in every classroom, most days.

Often mathematics seems to be a chameleon. It hides against the background of the real world. It is a maths teacher’s role to help their students to see the mathematics that is there.

In this course various positions are considered to help you think about answering the question “Why do we have to do this?”

Your answers will help you teach in ways that will not only enable your students to get the examination results that are so important for them, but also help them to see the value in mathematics for themselves, so they can start using mathematics in their day to day lives and perhaps continue to study mathematics beyond compulsory age.

Mathematics is a creative discipline although it’s sometimes talked about as if it’s not. As you study you will consider how you engage and motivate your pupils by presenting mathematics as something they can use to solve problems and to create models of reality that can be worked with.

I know that you will find it interesting. I hope you find it useful as well.