Reflection 3

Imagine the Principal/Director asked you to prepare a document to present at a maths staff meeting. The document is titled, ‘How to set up and manage mathematical learning experiences”. Find literature that you can use to create a list of 10 items that would appear in your document. Reference your material. Support your ideas with literature.

1.     It should be the responsibility of the student to facilitate their own learning; to further develop their “creativity, innovativeness and capability for their self-directed lifelong learning” (Moyle, 2010, P.6)

2.     The mathematical learning experience should be centred around constructive pedagogical teaching and learning approaches, steering away from the repetitive use of textbook material (Bryant, 2016)

3.     The use of ICT in classrooms can be used to a teacher’s advantage. The use of technology has contributed to “higher quality teaching and learning” (Moyle, 2010)

4.     The implementation of group work is effective in classrooms as “cooperative learning increases student academic performance” (Biel & Brame, 2015)

5.     By sharing the learning intentions for each lesson, it will allow students to feel engaged and begin thinking about what they will be learning.

6.     Mathematics should be building upon pre-existing knowledge of the students. By making clear links between literacy and numeracy.

7.     Mathematical learning should differ according to the student’s needs.

8.     Teacher and student reflection is essential. Student feedback can be effective for teacher learning as they are able to know and reflect on their own learning experiences.

9.     The use of manipulatives is encouraged in classrooms; used to cater for different learning styles. Thus, “tactile/kinaesthetic learners want to be physically involved in the learning process” (Gregory & Herndon, 2010)

10.  Finally, students are encouraged to reach their maximum potential; every child has the opportunity to succeed in mathematics