The Standards Unit: Improving learning in mathematics

The Standards Unit: Improving Learning in Mathematics resources were produced as a response to the Smith report. The materials use active learning approaches originally designed for post-16 mathematics but for use across the secondary phase. The resources, and the work of the Standards Unit with leading maths experts in the country, were part of the Department for Education and Skills' response to the Smith Report and offer practical and effective ways to improve learning in mathematics.

The resources were developed from the work of Susan Wall, a Gatsby fellow working at Wilberforce College, Hull and Dr Malcolm Swan from Nottingham University. The underlying principles to Malcolm's and Susan's approaches are identical, and built on research evidence of the last 30-40 years, which suggests that learning mathematics is far more successful if learners are actively engaged, encouraged to think mathematically and to see links and connections. They also accord with the findings of the Inspectorate, in relation to good practice.