MATHEMATICS 

Jac Curlis - Learning Specialist: Mathematics / PLC LINK Leader

A Wonderful Beginning in Learning and Growth

 

As we wrap up the first exhilarating term of 2024, it's a time of reflection and celebration for the EPS community. Together, we've embarked on a journey of discovery, innovation, and growth. Among these achievements, the spotlight shines brightly on our mathematics classrooms, which have exemplified the essence of collaborative learning and intellectual curiosity.

 

Mathematics Learning Communities: Collaboration and Innovation

 

This term, our classrooms embarked on an ambitious mission to enhance mathematical understanding and to develop essential life skills among our students. Through a focus on routines, working together, taking turns, persistence, and ways to show our thinking, our classrooms have become more than just a forum for learning mathematics; they have transformed into a nurturing ground for developing future-ready learners.

 

Routines: The Backbone of Mastery

 

Our incredible educators have designed classroom routines that are focused building a strong mathematical foundation. These routines have cultivated an environment where students eagerly anticipate their learning activities, understanding that each step is a building block towards mastering complex concepts.

 

Working Together: The Power of Unity

 

Emphasising the importance of collaboration, our students have shown that working together is not just about sharing answers but about sharing the journey of discovery. Through group problem-solving and peer discussions, students have learned to appreciate the diverse ways of approaching problems, enriching their learning experience and fostering a sense of community.

 

Taking Turns: A Lesson in Respect and Patience

 

Taking turns has been practiced not just as a classroom expectation but as a principle. This approach has encouraged students to listen actively, respect differing viewpoints, and articulate their thoughts clearly. It has been a joy to witness our students grow in confidence as they take their turn explaining their thought processes with clarity and pride.

 

Persistence: The Key to Overcoming Challenges

 

Perhaps one of the most significant lessons this term has been the value of persistence. Mathematics, with its challenges and complexities, has taught our students that setbacks are not failures but opportunities to learn and grow. Our learning communities have been a testament to the power of perseverance, as students tackled difficult concepts with determination, often finding that the sweetest successes come after the hardest trials.

 

Ways to Show Our Thinking: Celebrating Diverse Perspectives

 

At EPS, we have championed the idea that there are multiple ways to approach and solve problems. Students have been encouraged to express their mathematical thinking through drawings, models, verbal explanations, and written methods not only enhancing their understanding but also appreciating the beauty of diverse thought processes.