Understanding subtraction through enhanced communication

This chapter forms part of an edited book which is a culmination of a 3-year international study investigating creative communication in primary mathematics. Using interviews, observations and video the researchers studied and developed strategies for promoting mathematical understanding among 5-11 year olds. These were then tried and tested in the other project countries. The findings reported in this chapter were highly encouraging as they demonstrated such an approach broadened both teachers' and pupils' understandings of subtraction. Moreover, in using examples from the UK in particular, the European teachers were encouraged to focus on mathematical processes rather than product. The original research bid was subject to rigorous scrutiny, the project was evaluated by 2 European academics and the book proposal refereed by a panel of teachers and academics. Cockburn wrote this chapter and edited the book.