Effective Activities for the Classroom

EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN MATHEMATICS:

 Builds on the knowledge learners already have

• ­developing formative assessment techniques and adapting our teaching to accommodate individual learning needs (Black and Wiliam, 1998).

 Uses cooperative small group work

• ­activities are more effective when they encourage critical, constructive discussion, rather than argumentation or uncritical acceptance (Mercer, 2000). Shared goals and group accountability are important (Askew and Wiliam, 1995).

 Exposes and discusses common misconceptions

• ­learning activities should expose current thinking, create ‘tensions’ by confronting learners with inconsistencies, and allow opportunities for resolution through discussion (Askew and Wiliam, 1995).

From a presentation by ray.sutton@ncetm.org.uk, Mathematics For All

The following activities can support your efforts to make your instruction more effective, particularly if they are used as classroom routines building knowledge over time.