Monash Faculty of Education looks for a new way to teach maths
A study has looked at a new way of teaching mathematics in primary and secondary school classrooms, and its ability to enhance learning.
The study explored a unique way of delivering a lesson on fractions where teachers provide students with challenging maths tasks to work on by themselves or in a group, rather than being instructed on specific solutions.
The project found students preferred to work out solutions for themselves, and determine their own strategies for solving problems, rather than following instructions they have been given.
The approach could lead to changes to how teachers currently plan their teaching in mathematics, how textbooks are written and how students are assessed.
Nearly 5,000 primary and secondary students in state, independent and faith-based schools across Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania took part in the study.
The focus of the new approach was a lesson on fractions, to encourage the problem-solving abilities of students. Students were asked to develop two different solutions to a fractions question, before being shown what to do by the teacher.
Various strategies were then discussed as a class, before students complete a similar question afterwards. Prompts are given to students who experience difficulty and those who finish the task quickly, and additional similar tasks to consolidate the learning.
Lead researcher Professor Peter Sullivan from the Monash Faculty of Education said the study suggested that students learn mathematics best if they engage in building connections between mathematical ideas for themselves rather than being told how to by the teacher.
“Essentially the notion is for teachers to pose problems that the students do not yet know how to solve and to support them in coming to find a solution,” Professor Sullivan said.
“In this approach, learning will be more robust if students connect ideas together for themselves, and determine their own strategies for solving problems.”
Professor Sullivan said teachers were encouraged to communicate with students about the benefits of persisting.
“While it is possible for everyone to learn mathematics, it takes concentration and effort over an extended period of time to build the connections between topics, to understand the coherence of mathematical ideas, and to be able to transfer learning to practical contexts,” he said.
“To do this, students need to be encouraged to persist, which includes them concentrating, applying themselves, believing that they can succeed and making an effort to learn.”
When given a task to solve, the expectation is that the students do not ask the teacher for direction but seek to solve the task for themselves.
“Overcoming challenges also provides the strategies and experiences that can be useful in students’ later studies and lives. Challenge also contributes to brain development and growth,” he said.
The research “Encouraging Persistence, Maintaining Challenge” is funded by the Australian Research Council and is investigating the relationship between teacher expectations, student persistence and the learning of mathematics.
About Monash University Teachers College
The Monash Faculty of Education has a national and international reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Offering a diverse and innovative curriculum that responds to local and international community needs, the focus of the faculty’s work is learning and development—of individuals of all ages, and of organisations and communities. The faculty’s academic staff prepare students for a wide range of careers as educators, educational administrators, managers, and teachers. Graduates from Monash are recognised for their knowledge, intellectual engagement, skill, innovation and flexibility.
The Master of Teaching (Primary or Secondary) prepares graduates from a range of disciplines for a career as a school teacher. If you want to take on one of society’s most important, rewarding and challenging roles, Monash University’s master’s program in primary teaching is ideal for you.
Program: Master of Teaching (Primary or Secondary)
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Semester intake: March
Duration: 2 years
Application deadline: Although there is no strict application deadline for either of these programs, it is recommended that students apply at least three months prior to the program start date. Doing so will provide students with a sufficient amount of time to complete the assessment and pre-departure process.
Apply now to Monash University Teachers College!
*
Ask A Question
Ask us about your program of interest, or if you have a question about our services.
CONTACT US TODAY