TL3 What is different about this approach to teaching maths compared to the more traditional approach to teaching maths?
TL3 What is different about this approach to teaching maths compared to the more traditional approach to teaching maths?
The quotes used in this vignette are taken from two teachers who trialled this case with Year 9 classes. L is in her second year of teaching. M has been teaching for a number of years and brings industry experience to his teaching career. P is the interviewer, one of the teacher writers who also trialed the case with her class.
L was amazed at how much the pupils were discussing their maths, and the depth to which they were doing this.
Some differences in using this approach to learning:
Pupil 3 - “This is not maths – as it does not involve the textbook”
In one of the lessons, M noticed that some of his pupils were saying, “We are getting a bit bored with this, this is not maths”. He took an ‘in-the-moment decision’ and sat down with the pupils, commenting, “Let’s stop here and reflect upon what we are doing” and asking, “Where do you think the maths has come out of this lesson?” M observed,” Most kids in most subjects want to get away from using textbooks, but if they are not using textbooks in maths, then they feel that they are not learning maths”. M says that he wanted to point out to his pupils that they were actually still doing maths, even though they were not using the textbook. “When the pupils are not doing text work, it is easy for them to forget that they are doing maths. It is our job as teachers to try to refocus the pupils”.
P- “In this sort of open-ended, non textbook lesson, kids are going to throw ideas and questions at you. How do you deal with that – being out of your depth in terms of this different teaching method?”
M commented that this has happened to him and that he had tried to concoct stories eg. In response to a pupil who said, “But what would you do if you were way out in the bush?” M said, “You would need to take the joey to a vet. If you are a long way from the vet, you would need to jump in a car – you have to – it is your responsibility…..”
M - “You need to sound convincing - your whole lesson can fall to bits if the pupils are not going to go with you “