In early 2020, due to the COVD-19 pandemic, Australian schools were closed and students began an unprecedented time of remote learning. The current study aimed to understand how teachers planned and implemented mathematics learning programs for their students, the challenges they encountered, as well as the degree to which their students were motivated or engaged when learning mathematics at home. Two teachers from two Australian primary schools who shared a similar contemporary teaching and learning philosophy emphasising inquiry-based learning were interviewed, and students were surveyed anonymously about their engagement (cognitive, emotional, social and behavioural) when learning mathematics from home. Findings indicated that both teachers were concerned about effectively catering for all students and assessing student progress and engagement with the tasks. Survey data revealed most students displayed positive engagement with remote learning experiences, except for the lack of opportunity to learn mathematics with and from their peers.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore whether the four value alignment strategies available to educators (Scaffolding, Balancing, Intervention, and Refuge) previously identified in the mathematics education literature comprehensively capture educator value alignment strategies in an intervention context. Design/Approach/Methods: To this end, we analyse semi-structured interview data with two teacher-leaders involved in the Getting Ready in Numeracy (G.R.I.N.) intervention program through a value alignment lens. Findings: We ascertain that a fifth strategy, the Beacon strategy, is needed to describe the range of value alignment strategies employed by educators in the G.R.I.N. program. The Beacon strategy involves the educator digging in and reasserting their expectations until the student behaves in a manner that aligns with the educator’s values. In part it involves the educator being able to recognize their own values and clearly communicating these values to students. Originality/Value: This article further explores strategies that educators have at their disposal for aligning their values with those of their students. The uncovering of the Beacon strategy is particularly valuable as it suggests that educators could be purposefully pursuing value alignment even when they do not appear to take any active steps to move further towards their students’ sets of values.

Despite primary school teachers demonstrating strong preferences for using non-digital games over digital games to support mathematics instruction, much of the research review literature has focused on learning outcomes associated with digital mathematical games. To address this gap, the current systematic literature review focuses on non-digital, games-based, empirical studies in the primary mathematics classroom over the past two decades from 2003 to 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) statement was employed as a guideline for the data-collection process. The review presents an analysis and synthesis of 34 manuscripts, representing 32 distinct studies. Over three-quarters of manuscripts employed quantitative methodologies and around half qualitative methodologies, whilst studies focused exclusively on student, as opposed to teacher, outcomes. Despite Australia and Indonesia being comparatively overrepresented, the studies in scope were notable for both their geographic diversity and the eclectic range of game types and structures incorporated; although they did tend to disproportionately focus on number and operations, as opposed to other mathematical content areas. Moreover, the impact of mathematical games was generally positive across the broad range of outcomes considered, suggesting that mathematical games are potentially effective for both developing mathematical proficiencies, as well as improving dispositions towards mathematics. Future research directions are discussed.

Low levels of student engagement in mathematics education has been a growing concern in the Australian context and internationally. In this chapter, we will explore how value alignment strategies (Scaffolding, Balancing, Intervention and Refuge) could be used to rework conflict, resentment and disengagement of students in the mathematics classroom. When students are encouraged to discuss their individual thoughts and opinions, ideas and approaches, students’ values and identities become more apparent. We also begin to explore the notion of identity as an extension to the completed work on value alignment strategies. We propose a possibility that value alignment strategies could be the catalyst in many more students proclaiming that ‘mathematics is my most valuable subject!’