A review of literature on mathematics curricula in use at primary school level

Abstract

This paper investigates research on the evaluation of primary mathematics curricula over seventeen years to provide significant guidance on the essential issues and a set of fundamental principles for promoting mathematics achievement in Turkey and internationally. To do this, I aim to contribute to the primary mathematics curriculum and research by synthesising relevant research and identifying potential trends, highlighting key research findings, identifying challenges in curriculum implementation, and highlighting gaps in the literature. I synthesised ninety-four studies from 2005 to 2022 using descriptive content analysis, categorising the data according to overall mathematics curricula, including curriculum objectives, content, learning process and assessment, teacher, curriculum, and institutional challenges in implementing the curriculum. My critique highlights strengths and weaknesses in the literature, suggests research priorities for researchers to guide future research, and outlines specific implications for policymakers, leaders, and teachers in a mathematics curriculum.