The word 'quality' can be defined in general in relation to the question "What works in early childhood teaching for maximising children's learning outcomes?" Contributors to 'quality' include1 teaching that:
- is focused on a child's learning
- facilitates children's dialogue and independent work
- considers dispositional differences
- motivates and stimulates learning opportunities
- is supported by the educator's willingness to gain personal knowledge of subject matter2.
So what does this mean for the teaching and learning of mathematics?
1 Farquhar, S. (2003). Quality teaching early foundations: Best Evidence Synthesis iteration (BES). Wellington: Ministry of Education.
2 Hedges, H., & Cullen, J. (2005). Subject knowledge in early childhood curriculum and practices: beliefs and pedagogy. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 6(1), 66-79.