Wednesday evening, 12th November, a group of Maths tutors (collective noun unknown) congregated at the Archdeacon Centre to share good practice and discover more about the Standards Unit's ideas for improving learning in mathematics; a new approach to teaching which both empowers the learner and is effective in making sure what is learned is retained. This is achieved using 'challenging' rather than 'transmission' techniques, very much in line with the methodology current PGCE students are practising. It's all about collaboration with other learners and trying not to 'compartmentalise' maths so that all areas are 'covered'.
I am still coming to terms with this 'new' teaching method myself, but felt so excited about the possibilities I wanted to share them with other like minded tutors. I feel there can be an over emphasis of showing 'methods' followed by the learners trying related problems - this leads to short retention of information and an abundance of hand outs and worksheets, something that Lesley Wagstaffe mentioned would be frowned upon in an inspection.
Using these techniques, it seems more is less. I am approching my planning and teaching in a more creative way, which makes it much more enjoyable for all concerned. I'm so intrigued by this approach, I am trying them out with some of my literacy groups with some very promising feedback and results.
The pictures show the numeracy tutors in action trying out the Maths4Life challenge called 'The Car Race'. This particular puzzle has several ways in which it can be solved, but the emphasis is on discussion, collaboration and participation. The numeracy tutors used felt pens to solve the answer (the order of the racing cars). It would be great to run another session with a few more tutors. I think those that did attend found it useful to share best practice.
4 comments:
Thanks for telling us about this Rob. It's something we are trying to introduce in IT sessions too - learners working together. This can seem a bit alien IT is traditionally a subject where you come in, sit at a PC and "get on with it". However, tutors who have introduced collaborative work in their sessions have reported positive feedback from the learners. I have also noticed benefits of this approach when doing lesson observations.
Would it have been a "number of Maths tutors" who got together, Rob?
Sorry....
It's interesting to hear about evolving teaching methods, inspires me to take up maths! Seriously, my step son is retaking his maths GCSE, I don't understand most of the language used and I have wondered if there was a brush up your maths for adults, using the terminology currently being used in schools.
Thanks for sharing Rob.
"A Division of maths tutors?"
or even the understated "Number of maths tutors?"
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