Research #3

Ell And Darragh, F. D. L. (2021, November 1). Teaching and learning mathematics at primary school. The Education Hub. https://theeducationhub.org.nz/teaching-and-learning-mathematics-at-primary-school/

I connected with a lot of the information in this article, particularly the last section about engagement. 

An important idea that studies have shown to impact students’ mathematics engagement and progress is mathematics learner identity. Mathematics learner identity describes the relationships students form with mathematics and how they see themselves as a learner of mathematics.

The Agency and wellbeing data shows that my target group has a lower perception of themselves as learners than their peers. My next step is to deliberately help build their view of themselves as capable of learning mathematics, even if it is hard; and to value learning mathematics, showing them the relevance it has in their lives. 

I am going to focus on these things when connecting mathematics concepts and skills together with my learners attitudes, prior knowledge and thinking:

1. Talk: this includes teacher talk and students talk. It is important to discuss thinking, explaining and justifying their ideas. If I explicitly model and teach them a framework of how to break down mathematical tasks/language, then they will be able to understand and solve maths problems. 

2. Tasks: To promote engagement and powerful learning, the tasks teachers choose should show that mathematics is also for solving puzzles and problems, working things out and making connections. This term I have been working with an external Maths PLD facilitator around designing these ‘open, low floor - high ceiling tasks’. Everyone can make a start because the entry point is easy, and students can take the mathematics as far as they like. The purpose of using these types of problems is so all learners feel success, hence building their confidence and resilience when learning mathematics. 

Howley-Rouse, A. (2021, November 7). Five research-derived themes to consider when teaching maths. The Education Hub. https://theeducationhub.org.nz/five-research-derived-themes-to-consider-when-teaching-maths/