ABSTRACT
Consistency allows us a convenient, relatively effortless and efficient method for dealing with complex daily environments that make severe demands on our mental energies and capacities.
Another general factor to consider for uncertain learners is inconsistency. This may be a change of teacher, a new topic, a different room or inconsistencies in the subject. This short chapter tries to help teachers and support assistants gain an extra understanding of this facet of maths and how it may confuse insecure pupils. As teachers of maths, we try to encourage pupils to look for patterns and this is generally sound practice, but then we must be aware of the confusions that may arise as a consequence of any exceptions. Unfortunately, many of the inconsistencies of maths occur in the very early topics with potential effects on the establishment of basic concepts.
