Thinking about learning

Applied Maths workshop at Auckland University 23 February 2018 Two professors, Prof Thomas Edwards and Kenneth Chelst from America present the workshop.Both got impressive CVs, work in the industry in Motor factories and Walt Disney doing applied Maths.  It was not long before someone asked the Americans why they have not changed to the metric system.The reply was it give Americans and Brits a chance to do complicated maths.Another answer was consumer resistance. Miles per gallon and ounces and pounds sounds better in the English language. The idea of using calculators in class came up - appropriate or not. He said if you use pen and paper or a calculator to work out 5% of 100 you should be kicked. It is lazy thinking and should be done mentally. For complicated maths you need a calculator. The workshop focus on using real world examples to solve Maths problems. Most books and examples teachers and books are using are total unrealistic and useless and that is why students l...

Technology in the classroom The first comment  the speaker made was that technology didn't improve learning or engagement. If fact, students are so lost on their devices that they miss the whole lesson and learning opputunities. Digital distractions of gaming and social media are more interesting than any Maths lesson and are  only fingertips away. When was the last time you saw a student came skipping into the classroom with a smile on their face? Videos must be selective and short, Teachers can make their own using -Hover cams and screencast to make  your own programs.Studies shows a teachers voice is more powerful than a strange voice on You Tube.Teachers at Olhmiston has their own You Tube channel and they shared it with all the teachers Kahoots works well to keep student interest up, Students like to scribble on white tables and do calculations. It is suggested to use one white table in every class where students can do their calculations on.This is also goo...