The Elephant in the Classroom: Helping Children Learn and Love Maths. Jo Boaler

"Help children to learn to love the subject... Make mathematics more the mathematics that people need out there in the world."
BBC Radio 4's 'Woman's Hour'

Why do millions struggle with mathematics and what can teachers do to change that?

Jo Boaler has followed the progress of thousands of pupils in two countries (the UK and USA), monitoring how they learn maths through their school carers and then following them into adult life. This remarkable research is the foundation of her investigations into the impact that differing maths experiences can have on an entire generation. Jo Boaler outlines what has gone wrong, identifying the problems facing children in mathematics classrooms today and offers concrete solutions for parents and teachers that will revolutionise children's experiences with maths.

"A very interesting book which addresses some common problems found in the maths classroom which has been well researched and provides positive solutions and practical activities for those interested in trying to encourage students of today to become mathematicians of tomorrow."
Times Educational Supplement online

The Elephant in the Maths Classroom offers concrete suggestions on ways to teach maths well, and ways to help children in the home, that will offer new and more effective ways of learning maths. This is an exciting way forward, a new approach that teaches children to reason and problem solve; helping all children, even those who think that they are maths failures and that they could never enjoy maths.

An indispensable guide and resource for parents, teachers and educationalists, that inspires and enthuses as much as it teaches.


Jo Boaler is the Marie Curie Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Sussex. She has previously taught at King's College, London, and Stanford University. Professor Boaler has presented her research findings to government advisers and the House of Lords.