Part time PGCE

Introduction to Mathematics

Frogs and toads

Activity:• To swap over the frogs and toadsRules:• You may either:

- slide one square into an empty space- hop one frog/toad over one other frog/toad into an empty space

Aim:• To find the rule for determine the minimum number of moves for any

numbers of frogs and toads.Possible steps:• What is the minimum for 2 frogs and 2 toads? How many slides & hops?• How about 3 of each/ 4 of each etc?• How about 2 frogs and 3 toads?• What patterns are there?

For discussion

• Have you solved the problem?

• Have you finished the investigation or is there something else you could do?

• What helped/hindered you in solving the problem?

A Model for the Primary Mathematics Curriculum

• Facts• Skills• Concepts• Processes• Situations• Attitudes

Shuard,H. (1986) Primary mathematics today and tomorrow York:SCDC

David Burghes Mathematics Enhancement Project 1997

In his survey, Year 7 / 8 pupils were asked:‘What do you think are the good qualities of the best maths teacher you ever had?They gave answers such as:• Patience• Sense of humour• Give individual help• Does not move on too quickly• Checks and helps understanding• Approachable and caring• Makes mathematics enjoyable and fun• Strict and good control of the class• Doesn’t get cross if pupils do not understand• Listen• …..but, by far the most frequent response was gives clear explanations

Independent Study TasksTask 1 • Jennings, S.F. (2006) ‘Personal

development plans and self-directed learning for healthcare professionals: are they evidence based?’ Postgraduate Medical Journal. 83 pp. 518-524. Available at http://pmj.bmj.com (Accessed: July 7th , 2010)

• Wilcox, S.W. (1996) ‘Fostering self-directed learning in the university setting.’ Studies in Higher Education. 21(2) pp173-176

What are the key messages about

independent study?

Task 2

• Read extracts from: Williams, P. (2008) Review of

Mathematics Teaching in Early Years Settings and Primary Schools

What are the key messages about attitudes towards

mathematics?