Concept Cartoons in Mathematics Education

Created by Brenda Keogh and Stuart Naylor, Concept Cartoons have been thoroughly researched in classrooms around the world.

Simple cartoon-style drawings present learners with their own misconceptions and generate discussion and argument.

They are easy to use in the classroom as a part of normal teaching. Concept Cartoons are designed to introduce maths concepts in everyday settings.

Each character has a different opinion about maths being discussed.

All of the possible answers are plausible and highlight common learner misconceptions.

Learners are invited to join in with the discussion happening in the maths Concept Cartoon.

This can be in the from of a vote, group discussion or class debate.

Each Concept Cartoon includes ideas for finding out about the mathematical concept in question. The book contain 130 Concept Cartoons covering the main areas of maths including addition and subtraction, shape, data handling and measuring.

Background text, written in pupil-friendly language, is available for each Concept Cartoon.

This suggests possible follow up activities and explains the maths behind the different alternatives.

A blank speech bubble on the Concept Cartoons encourages learners to add additional ideas.