This publication contains the conference proceedings of the New Zealand Council for Educational Research's (NZCER) mathematics seminar in 1998. Practical insights are offered into topics such as Maori students' participation and performance in mathematics, a conceptual development for multiplication using thinking strategies, practical processes for developing number sense, and using the Assessment Resource Banks in mathematics to help teaching and learning. This publication contains these major papers: (1) "Mathematics Education in New Zealand: Have We Failed Our Maori Students?" (Megan Clark); (2) "A Conceptual Development for Multiplication: Thinking Strategies in Place of Table Memorisation" (George Booker); (3) "Promoting Number Sense Rather Than Simply Providing Number Skills" (George Booker); and (4) "Assessment Resource Banks in Mathematics: How Can Testing Help Teaching and Learning?" (W. Alex Neill). (Each paper contains references.) (ASK)