Ian Holden, Chairman of We Support Hands-On Learning, sits down with Allan Dougan, CEO of the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers, a valued partner of the initiative, to explore what truly drives understanding in mathematics today. Drawing on his background as a teacher, Allan shares insights into how students build understanding, and why developing deep mathematical connections has never been more important. 

He expands on the concrete to representational to abstract (CRA) learning approach, emphasising that while physical materials are essential in the early years, they remain just as valuable in upper primary and secondary settings, particularly when tackling higher-level concepts such as fractions and calculus. Allan also challenges the notion that mathematics itself never changes, highlighting instead how applying mathematics to unfamiliar situations continues to evolve.  

The conversation explores how hands-on learning supports deeper understanding, and how incorporating concrete materials into assessment can help students explain, justify and truly demonstrate their thinking.