Looking at learning activities

Aims of the session

This session is intended to help us to:

• Explore different types of mathematical activity:– Classifying mathematical objects.– Interpreting multiple representations.– Evaluating mathematical statements.– Creating problems.– Analysing reasoning and solutions.

1. Classifying mathematical objects

• Learners examine and sort mathematical objects according to their different characteristics.

• They create and use categories to build definitions

• They learn to discriminate carefully and to recognise the properties of objects.

• They develop mathematical language.

Examples of classifying activities

• Find the odd one out tables activity (Maths Out Loud 4 – 13)

• Sorting shapes (Maths Out Loud 4 – 27)

2. Interpreting multiple representations

• Learners match cards showing different representations of the same mathematical idea.

• They draw links between different representations.

• They develop new mental images for concepts.

Examples of interpreting multiple representations

• Different representations of multiplication

• Suggestions– Definitions and images of shapes– Matching sets of sums– Showing 100

3. Evaluating mathematical statements

• Learners decide whether given statements are true or false (or possibly sometimes true.

• They are encouraged to develop mathematical arguments and justifications.

• They are encouraged to develop examples and counterexamples to defend their reasoning.

Examples of evaluating mathematical statements

• Sally’s Sweet Shop activity

• Properties of shapes: Stringy Quads

• Properties of 2D shapes (Maths out Loud 6 – 27)

4. Creating and solving problems

• Learners devise their own mathematical problems for other learners to solve.

• Learners are creative and ‘own’ the problems.

• While others attempt to solve them, learners take on the role of teacher and explainer.

• The ‘doing’ and ‘undoing’ processes of mathematics are exemplified.

Examples of creating and solving problems

• Sum and product example (Maths Out Loud Book 4 – 15)

• Big Book of Word Problems (Year 1/2 Sleeping Ugly)

• Think of a number problems

• Function machines: The Number Crunching Machine

5. Analysing reasoning and solutions

• Learners compare different methods for doing a problem.

• They organise solutions and/ or diagnose the causes of errors in solutions.

• They begin to recognise that there are different ways through a problem.

• They develop their own chains of reasoning.

Examples of analysing reasoning

• Using learner’s solutions both correct and incorrect especially from test papers.

• Collecting learner’s descriptions of their methods.

Follow up task

• Pick one kind of activity from the suggestions and adapt it to meet the needs of your class

• Try it with your class and reflect on the quality of their responses to it

• Come to the session prepared to share your observations and some examples of children’s work