Skip to main content

View related sites

  • Thought leadership
  • Media
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ
  • Events
  • Contact us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Cambridge Mathematics

  • About us
  • The Cambridge Mathematics Framework
  • Our services
  • For teachers and practitioners
  • Blogs
  • Research
  • Thought leadership
  • Media
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ
  • Contact us
  • print

Traditional and progressive models

  • Cambridge Mathematics
  • For teachers and practitioners
  • Espresso
  • Traditional and progressive models
  • Espresso
  • 50: Covariational reasoning
  • 49: Teaching and learning equivalence
  • 48: Early development of functional thinking
  • 47: Developing concepts of pattern
  • 46: Building and breaking 2D and 3D shapes
  • 45: Teaching logical reasoning
  • View all Espressos

21 December 2016

Infographic comparing transmission and collaborative orientations

Is there any value in applying 'traditional' and 'progressive' models to mathematics teaching?

  • There are many ways of characterising mathematics teaching into ‘traditional’ or ‘progressive’ models
  • Teachers’ beliefs and classroom practice may not always align
  • Mathematics teachers are often asked to teach in specific ways by different stakeholders, which may cause conflict
  • Teaching rote skills in early maths can prevent conceptual understanding later
  • Rating the effectiveness of teaching methods depends on how effectiveness is measured
View Espresso

Useful links

  • Home
  • About us
  • The Cambridge Mathematics Framework
  • Services
  • For teachers & practitioners
  • Blogs
  • Research
  • Thought leadership
  • Media
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ
  • Contact us

About Cambridge Mathematics

Cambridge Mathematics is committed to championing and securing a world class mathematics education for all students from 3 – 19 years old, applicable to both national and international contexts and based on evidence from research and practice.

  • Cambridge Mathematics

View Related Sites

  • University of Cambridge
  • Cambridge University Press & Assessment
  • Faculty of Mathematics
  • Faculty of Education

© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility and Standards
  • Data Protection
  • Use of Cookies
  • Statement on Modern Slavery
  • Terms and Conditions
Back to top
We use cookies. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies