Early Mathematics Education: Current Research Trends and Perspectives

Current research trends in the field of early mathematical education are presented in the context of recently formulated target dimensions of early mathematical education (see Benz et al., 2017). Game-based approaches, competencies in the field of "space and form", the influence of language skills on the development of mathematical competencies, as well as mathematics-related competencies of early childhood educators are discussed. In addition, the results of a recent field study on a preschool intervention intended to enhance children's early mathematical skills (see Dillon, Kannan, Dean, Spelke, & Duflo, 2017) are presented. Finally, we discuss the development and implementation of aligned educational concepts as one of the central challenges of future research and educational activities.