Thinking about learning

     How the Brain Learn Mathematics-David A Sousa I attended a fantastic day seminar a few 6 years ago where David da Sousa focus on using the brain as a learning tool and to teach to how the brain funcions. He is a ex teacher and is one of the worlds leading brain experts and use MRI scanning to see what part is activated when learning takes place during different subjects, He also compares this data with different ages and genders. I manage to get hold of his book on mathematics and here is a short summary. Summary Create a number sense in the students There is a strong link between language and mathematics.Use literacy strategies to help learners. Use graphic organizers to lay out and solve  problems Brain-Men’s brain is 6-8% larger than females.They are better at numbers but female’s brains are better at processing words. Humans use the frontal lobe of the brain for mathematics. Teach to the different learning styles. Differentiate your lesson...

                                      Maths at the movies How do you make a math lesson interesting? How do you motivate students? How do you make maths relevant to see the value and application in real life? These questions are always on the mind of maths teachers when they prepare lessons. Very easy.Take them to the movies. Miss Munoz’s brilliant idea to take two classes to watch Hidden Figures turn out to answer the above questions in the best possible way. Many themes ran through the movie, from segregation to the cold war space race, but it started with mathematical calculations and maths became the main theme throughout the movie. The trip was well organized at all levels and students were a showcase for the school.We walked to the train station where we departed to Sylvia par...

MyiMaths  evaluation We have started with MyiMaths in class.All students got  a personal log in and every two weeks they got a set activities to do. The program mark and give feedback in a mark book. Teachers can  write comments as well.  Students take a screenshot of the results and file it in their folder as evidence. This program replace Ninja Maths challenge that is paid program. It is a bit different but excellent. Video instruction is unfortunately missing...one of the strengths of Maths Buddy. I set easier work levels and got much better engagement than Ninja Maths challenge we the challenges were to difficult for some students. Most students enjoy it and learn a  lot. The activities is graphic, interactive and progressive. We spend one period every two weeks in class  on this activity and the rest is homework. This supplement but don't replace other activities.Ninja Maths challenge and MyiMaths will improve a student level from 25-40 % if d...