Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides pre-service teachers with subject knowledge in mathematics alongside current knowledge and beliefs about teaching and learning. It extends beyond the primary level to about Year 9 of the Australian Curriculum. The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is a comparison of student achievement in mathematics and science in different countries and is conducted every four years. The data obtained from international benchmarking studies such as TIMSS allow educational trends to be examined over time. Widespread concern about Australia’s declining performance in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects has prompted calls from the Australian Chief Scientist for urgent action at national level. The Programme for International Student Assessment provides data on the comparative performance of 15-year-old students in the OECD countries. The chapter also presents an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book.