Conference synopsis 20240805 - Flipbook - Page 80
SESSION E: Friday, 11am-12pm (cont.)
E16 INQUIRY IN MATHEMATICS - WHAT IS IT
REALLY?
Subtheme: Pedagogy
Kristen Tripet, Australian Academy of Science
(F to Year 10)
Mathematical inquiry or mathematical exploration is what
mathematicians do. As Francis Su (2020), a past president
of the Mathematical Association of America, pointed out,
mathematicians are mathematical explorers: ‘Exploration
and understanding are at the heart of what it means to do
mathematics’. The mathematics teacher plays a central role in
this process as they select and use different pedagogical tools
to guide students’ mathematical inquiry. In this interactive
presentation, I present the approach to mathematical
inquiry developed by the reSolve team in collaboration
with international researchers. Participants will explore the
brand-new reSolve website and our new mathematical tasks
structured around our approach to mathematical inquiry.
Participants will also explore a pedagogical toolbox of
strategies that they can use to support students’ mathematical
inquiry.
Key takeaways:
1. Pedagogical tools to support students’ mathematical
inquiry.
2. Exploration of the new reSolve website and tasks.
E17 MATHEMATICAL MODELLING IN THE
NEW CURRICULUM
Subtheme: Curriculum
Jill Brown, Deakin University
(Year 5 to Year 8)
Mathematical modelling is the process of solving real-world
problems. Whilst mathematical modelling has always been
part of mathematics, there is an increased emphasis in the
new curriculum (i.e., VC2). This session will present some
relevant mathematical modelling tasks. In addition, to
discussing how students might solve the tasks, this session
will focus on the teacher perspective. That is, what might
mathematical modelling look like in practice in the classroom.
How might students’ progress their mathematical
modelling capabilities with a year and over their years of
schooling.
If you want your student to value mathematics and be
motivated to learn mathematics, then you should be excited
about the renewed opportunities to engage your students in
the process of mathematical modelling.
Key takeaways:
1. Mathematical modelling tasks ready to implement in your
classroom.
2. Better understanding of the process of mathematical
modelling as real-world problem solving.
3. Increased motivation to implement mathematical
modelling and an opportunity to collaborate with others.
Remember: Whist the focus in 5-8, the ideas in this
workshop are relevant beyond these year levels.
FULL E18 PUZZLES, PROBLEMS AND TRICKS
OF THE TRADE TO ENGAGE STUDENTS
Subtheme: Pedagogy
Mike Ristovsky and Taylor Pervan, Christ Church
Grammar School
(Year 7 to Year 10)
It’s not always easy to captivate kids in the mathematics
classroom, but with some carefully crafted activities it is
possible to get kids talking about the joys of mathematics that
will allow teachers unique access to student thinking. This
session will run through 8 of my favourite activities that I have
accumulated over the past 30+ years of teaching secondary
students in classroom settings. These activities have been
chosen as they allow students to explore mathematics and
make decisions and discoveries with the teacher acting as a
facilitator. Participants will be guided through the activities at
an easy pace, accessible to all. Handouts will be provided so
the material can be used in classes on Monday morning.
Key takeaways:
1. A set of 8 problems/puzzles with solutions that can be used
in a variety of class settings.
•
What might the teacher be doing or saying at various
stages of the lesson.
2. Strategies and approaches that will allow for student
engagement in mathematics at a variety of levels.
•
What might the students be doing or saying at various
stages of the lesson.
Remember: Bring a pen/pencil, calculator (any type) but
most importantly an inquisitive mind!
THE MATHEMATICAL
ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA
80
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