Leaves and stone maths

A document of the education department in the Australian state of Queen-sland suggests the use of rocks and leaves to bring an aboriginal perspective to maths lessons. The maths plan, available online, also recommends exploring patterns and symbols as well as using timelines that include the history of Australia’s aboriginals.

A caller to abc radio in Brisbane claimed a teacher in Gold Coast area of Queensland had been asked by her school principal to issue rocks and leaves to an aborigine student. The caller said the teacher had no idea how to implement the new procedures.

Curriculum authorities in Australia said it is up to teachers to decide the best way to educate students. Australian curriculum and Assessment Reporting Authority spokesperson Robert Randall said the country’s educational officers are considering nationwide integration of aboriginal studies into English, maths, science and history.

He said, “At the end of the day teachers would have to make the decision whether to use certain methods of teaching.”