Editorial.

Attard, Catherine

Welcome to a very exciting issue of Australian Primary Mathematics Classroom. This issue has something for everyone, with articles that span a range of mathematical concepts and teaching concerns written by a range of authors who come from a diversity of backgrounds. Some of our authors are researchers, some are teachers, and some are both. This combination results in what I believe to be a high quality, practical journal that teachers can use to support their continuing professional development. If you don't already do so, please consider using APMC articles as part of your school's professional development program. Perhaps encourage teachers at your school to try out some of the activities before sharing a reflection on what worked and what didn't.

The first article in this issue is one that will be of interest to leaders of mathematics in primary schools, or teachers who are aspiring to lead mathematics at their school. Matt Sexton and Ann Downton describe a research project that involved a group of school mathematics leaders and their beliefs about their roles. We are also provided with a set of questions that are a useful tool for anyone who has a mathematics leadership role.

The development of number sense is a particularly important in the early years. Paula Mildenhall has provided an interesting article that explores how one teacher used a multisemiotic teaching approach to support her students' learning of computational strategies. Mildenhall discusses the effectiveness of using purposeful gestures to promote understanding of number sense with young children and describes the hands-on activities used by the teacher in the project.

Teachers in upper primary will enjoy reading Kym Fry's article on using an inquiry approach to explore a cubic metre. Fry's students explored the question "How much is a cubic metre?", and while describing the task, she also focuses on opportunities for formative assessment to occur. Another interesting aspect of Fry's article is her use of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) assessment framework. Another article based on measurement explores issues relating to measuring length with a school ruler. In this paper Michael Drake also provides ideas for teaching students how to use rulers.

You will notice that Lorraine Day features twice in this issue. First, Lorraine provides us with some curriculum linked lessons based on algebra. Lorraine has also contributed a very practical article on purposeful statistical investigations, providing us with a number of rich teaching and learning ideas that embed mathematics in relevant and meaningful contexts.

Finally, the issue ends with our regular Teaching with Technology column. Our contributor for this issue is Maria Northcote, who provides us with some great ideas that combine physical and movement based activities with technological resources. I hope you enjoy this issue.

Catherine Attard

University of Western Sydney

<c.attard@uws.edu.au>