A new study from the Grattan Institute has revealed that Australian students are facing significant challenges in mathematics, with many teachers lacking the confidence to teach the subject effectively, even at Year Six level.
The report highlights that only 13% of Year Four students in Australia excelled in the 2023 international maths test. This is lower than other countries such as England, where 22% excelled, Ireland at 16%, and Japan at 32%. At Year Eight level, just 11% of Australian students achieved excellence in maths.
The Grattan Institute has called for urgent government action, including setting a long-term goal of 90% numeracy proficiency on NAPLAN tests, providing clearer teaching guidelines for schools, and increasing professional development opportunities for teachers.
Unproven Teaching Methods Under Scrutiny
Jordana Hunter, education program director at the Grattan Institute, criticized the current state of maths education in Australia. She argued that the country has neglected maths education for decades and that governments have been slow to abandon “faddish” teaching methods that have not been proven effective.
“Governments need to pay closer attention to the research on how children learn maths most effectively,” said Hunter.
The institute’s survey also revealed that many teachers lack the confidence to teach Year Six maths. Concerns were raised about the competence of some educators in handling the subject, highlighting a significant gap in teaching expertise.
Hunter proposed a “maths guarantee strategy,” which could improve outcomes at an estimated cost of only $67 per primary school student annually.
Urgent Action Needed to Address the “Numeracy Crisis”
Joanna Barbousas, an education expert at La Trobe University, echoed the institute’s concerns, stressing the need for immediate action to address the ongoing “numeracy crisis.” She warned that students who fall behind in maths face long-term consequences in terms of employment, health, and social outcomes, contributing to cycles of disadvantage.
“Teachers are telling us they feel unprepared for the classroom,” said Barbousas. “When half of our 15-year-olds fail to meet national maths standards, the issue isn’t with the students; it’s with the approach to education.”
The Grattan Institute’s findings call for significant reform in the way maths is taught in Australia, with a focus on improving teacher preparedness and ensuring that teaching methods are based on solid evidence.
