Improving children's performance in numeracy: Two countries, two approaches

Abstract

This paper discusses the developments that have taken place in both Britain and New Zealand in response to the endeavours by the respective governments to develop more numerate populations. The British National Numeracy Strategy experience is described and then reference is made to research that assesses its effectiveness in enhancing numeracy. This is followed by a description of the New Zealand experience, the Numeracy Development Project, along with some comparison with the British programme, and finally a discussion of the key differences against research findings is presented to explore which has been more effective.