bright sparks – caribbean primary mathematics, revised ed 2011 sales conference, jamaica
TRANSCRIPT
Is Bright Sparks a serious contender against the entrenched, long-term competition?
Yes. Absolutely!
The revised edition is content strong, design streamlined and easy to use, has a wider syllabus to meet recent changes and regional needs, updated technological content, new engaging materials and each component is closely cross referenced to make it easy for teachers.
COMPONENTS OF BRIGHT SPARKS REVISED ED
SB Student Books WB Workbooks (all levels) CD Inserted in SB1-6 TB all levels Website Free, downloadable
resources for teachers
Bright Sparks is well-liked by teachers and students. It encourages students who might not otherwise succeed, by offering a variety of exercises, activities, puzzles and learning styles.
The new edition builds on what works best for all students.
the emphasis on problem solving and reasoning
Caribbean real life examples
activities and variety to help students fully engage, and learn to love and become successful in Mathematics
colourful, appealing student friendly texts
explanations and steps that are easy to understand
the many examples, which parents particularly like
artwork and interesting student scenarios
the features like Challenge, and Hint, that push thinking
The exam preparation in the upper levels
RESEARCH BEHIND CHANGES:
Extensive analysis of the syllabuses of Trinidad, OECS, Barbados, Jamaica, Belize, Bahamas and GuyanaThe creation of a blended syllabus that fits the needs of each territory, and offers some additional extensions The work that meets the common part of the syllabus is first, and the work that only some countries use is in a further section (e.g. 1-10 might apply to all countries, while 11-15 might be extensions only used in one or two countries)The most current university research on how children learn mathematics has been included in the lessonsThe challenges and needs told us by teachers in the workshops in Grenada, St Vincent, Barbados, St Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St Kitts, and Belize, as well as in school visits in Trinidad, Jamaica and Guyana, were heard and answered, resulting in some of the changes built into the revised edition
Now 2 Kindergarten books – KA and KB
6 levels of SBs and WBs – Books 1 – 6+
and a ‘Transition’ level book, which bridges the end of Primary and the first year of Secondary.
It is called Standard 6, meeting the needs of the additional year of Primary School in Belize, but we think it has a lot of potential to be used in Lower First or in Extended Primary Schools across the region.
the books are more teacher friendly, with syllabus concepts easily found in the Contents, Index and Scope and Sequence in each book
Developmental steps (spiralling curriculum) is now made more obvious
Additional review at each level
More variations of money examples to suit more regional currencies
New features, such as Mathematical language
Simplified reading level in the word problems
Reorganization of the order of the material
Updated – current technologies, sports heroes, scientific breakthroughs, digital tools and games
Tighter and consistent use of terms
More photographs, artwork, more variety of names and settings to reflect the wider region
Changes to the design and layout
The explanation and the example that begin the lesson is set out in a tinted box
At the end of each unit is a Check Up, and a Summary box with key points
The expected outcomes for each unit are set out in the TB
Partner, and project work sections are clearly set out
The paper quality in Books 1 and 2 is less shiny and easier to write on
More changes to the design and layout
SB and WB Units, sub-units and exercises are numbered and easy to follow, and are cross-referenced in the TBs
Consistent use of colour – each feature (Hint, Short Cut), has one colour throughout all levels, as do the Assessments, Enrichment, etc.
Discussion, calculator work, links to CD practice, etc all have assigned icons that become familiar to students through all levels
Exam preparation and assessments –
More types of assessments have been added:Self tests and self progress charts, for students
Informal review, Unit Checks, Partner work, and Tests are both diagnostics and informal assessments
Full tests for midterm and end of term, and end of year full examinations
The final exams in Books 4-6 and BZ Std 6 all have a multiple choice section, as well as open response
A better quality CD72 or more different activities on each CD
Each CD has 6 major topic areas, then each of these has subtopics-
and these too have additional practice.
Supports teachers to use new teaching approaches, with suggestions and examples
Encourages teachers to have students talk about their reasoning
Shows different strategies students might try for problem solving, and common misconceptions
Gives ideas for helping slow learners and extensions for quick students
Supports untrained teachers while giving experienced teachers new ideas to try.
Makes clear the connection to other subjects, within Maths, and to real life
Has ideas for adding games, and active learning
Offers suggestions re: formal, informal and self assessment
Shows exactly what WB and CD practice matches the SB lessons
Includes some theory, e.g. the benefits of task or project based learning
Includes sample lesson plans for each unit
A better quality Teacher book
SB AND WB OVERVIEW
SB
In addition to the changes noted earlier:Additional practice with review before problematic areas (e.g. fractions)Calculator icons to show where they may be usefulClear, easy and familiar design themes through all levels
WBEach exercise refers to the exact lesson in the SB for which it provides practiceSelf checks and informal assessments for student to do on their ownCan be used for homework, for review or make upGives students a chance to draw, fill in tables, show their working and explain their thinking.
Teacher Resource Website
Lesson plans
Games, puzzles and activities
Practice worksheets
Templates for geometry or measurement
Free, online downloadable resources for teachers
Bright Sparks matches and surpasses the competitors in content, variety and interest, syllabus coverage and extensions, and with teacher support materials that are clearly-linked, useful, and help promote student success.
The new Bright Sparks Revised Editions take what teachers and students already prefer, and make it even better, to meet the Ministries’ description of an excellent course.