"Indeed in our view such competence is central to the success of primarymathematics, so much so that we would recommend an earlier emphasis for the mastery of some basic skills such as multiplication tables, " he said in a paper due to be published later this week.
The IEA is probably best known for its Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), an international large-scale assessment of learning outcomes (ILSA) for primary school learners in science and mathematics, as well as for PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study).
Last month, the government's numeracy taskforce issued detailed guidelines for primary schools, calling for one hour of mathematics every day and outlining an ideal structure for the lessons.