Mathematics in Colleges of Education

A brief review is given of the main developments that have taken place in colleges of education in the past ten years. Against this background there follows a discussion of the work of a mathematics department within a college and some of the problems of providing viable courses for both future specialist teachers and for future teachers in primary schools. Student attitudes and abilities, objectives of courses, methods of teaching and assessment are considered. In conclusion some possible ways are suggested of ameliorating a situation which is not altogether satisfactory.