The Association of Teachers of Mathematics (ATM) was established in 1950 in the United Kingdom to encourage the development of mathematics education to be more closely related to the needs of the learner. The ATM is governed by its General Council. There are about 4 000 members - mainly teachers in primary and secondary schools. It is a registered charity and all profits from subscriptions and trading are re-invested into mathematics education. The ATM provides opportunities to bring together all concerned with mathematics education for all age ranges. It supports local branches, informal support networks, courses and conferences. The Association of Teachers of Mathematics produces policy statements and publishes response to National and Government initiatives. The ATM has a number of 'Working Groups' whose function is to examine particular areas of the mathematics education field to develop policy, resources and action. The high point of the year is the annual Easter conference which is a celebration of mathematics teaching by hundreds of people who still get great enjoyment from their chosen career.
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Aims of ATM
The Association of Teachers of Mathematics aims to support the teaching and learning of mathematics by:
- encouraging increased understanding and enjoyment of mathematics
- encouraging increased understanding of how people learn mathematics
- encouraging the sharing and evaluation of teaching and learning strategies and practices
- promoting the exploration of new ideas and possibilities
- initiating and contributing to discussion of and developments in mathematics education at all levels
Guiding Principles
The ability to cooperate mathematically is an aspect of human functioning which is as universal as language itself. Attention needs constantly to be drawn to this fact. Any possibility of intimidating with the mathematical expertise is to be avoided. The power to learn rests with the learner. Teaching has a subordinate role. The teacher has a duty to seek out ways to engage the power of the learner. It is important to examine critically approaches to teaching and to explore new possibilities, whether deriving from research, from technological developments or from the imaginative and insightful ideas of others. Teaching and learning are cooperative activities. Encouraging a questioning approach and giving due attention to the ideas of others are attitudes to be encouraged. Influence is best sought by building networks of contacts in professional circles.
Mathematics Teaching
Mathematics Teaching is the bimonthly journal of the Association of Teachers of Mathematics, currently edited by Helen Williams, Colin Foster and Robin Stewart.
