Arithmetic With More Attitude than you can shake a stick at

About the Book

Our growing reliance on electronic calculation has led to the marginalisation of basic arithmetic skills. This challenges the way numeracy is both taught and learned. "Consequently, " the author says, "you and your children will need better methods and faster strategies for calculating - unless, that is, you are happy to literally take the change you are given!" Existing arithmetic methods are broken down and then re-assembled as a set of rapid mental strategies. These methods increase understanding and close the speed gap between human and electronic calculation. Be prepared then for creative thought and a thread of humour - as the author rails against chicanery and political interference in education. Titley refutes the claims of Right-wing propagandists that (your) kids are failures, and that exams are easy. "Of course, truth-resistant strains of ambitious runts in politics would seem to be inevitable," he concedes. "They are the political equivalent of herpes!" "Arithmetic must be taught as part of a creative curriculum - not simply to get answers (which could be obtained by other means, albeit without any understanding)," he says. "Creativity is a vital engine of change in the future your children will inhabit." This book is an opportunity to change the way you do arithmetic and how you look at the world.

About the Author

Paul Titley, a life-long resident of London, gained practical and technical experience as an engineer in the UK Lift Industry for twenty years. Seeking new challenges – and working nights – he enrolled as a full-time mature student at University, where he obtained a 1st Class degree (B.Ed . Honours) specialising in Mathematics, Computing and Technology. He went on to pursue a career as a Primary School Classroom Teacher, and later worked for nine years teaching Maths to Able/Gifted and Talented children. He has a keen interest in education, politics, global economics and current affairs. While regarding himself as a citizen of the world he is nevertheless a proud Englishman, and an even prouder father of three terrific sons and a wonderful daughter.