Mathematics
Welcome to Mathematics at Rangeview! In this issue we introduce learning behaviours in Maths, and discuss how all students can achieve success given the right mindset.
Growth vs Fixed Mindset
We often hear students say 'I'm no good at Maths' or 'I can't do this'. This stems from a student’s belief in themselves as a learner, and in their own potential. “Students with a fixed mindset are those who are more likely to give up easily, whereas students with a growth mindset are those who keep going even when work is hard, and who are persistent.”
At Rangeview we believe that every student has the potential to learn Mathematics and be successful in their learning. The quote above is attributed to You Cubed which is an organisation from The Graduate School of Education at Stanford University. Please visit this link for further information.
The below diagram shows how a growth mindset culture in Mathematics can be nurtured based on the type of feedback provided. To watch the videos as shown by the arrows in the diagram please visit https://www.youcubed.org/mathematical-mindset-teaching-guide-teaching-video-and-additional-resources/ to learn more.
We refer you to the third row titled ‘Students’ Mindsets’. Too often our students believe they are not “Maths people”, which brings us back to our opening statement at the top of the page. At Rangeview we continue to praise the process, the strategies used and the effort to ensure our students move to a growth mindset from a fixed mindset. Self-belief, confidence and engagement in Mathematics are often the outcomes and it is exciting to witness this in the classroom!
Please visit You Cubed for more information on growth vs fixed mindset in Mathematics.
The Learning Pit
The Learning Pit supports students to understand that sometimes we need to 'struggle' with a concept in Mathematics before we can master it. At Rangeview we have been introducing students to the Learning Pit and the fact that is it okay (and normal!) to find some work challenging as this is where students are provided the opportunity to work beyond their expected level (and comfort zone).
The Learning Pit – and its broader lesson-planning framework, the Learning Challenge – reassures students on their learning journey. It offers encouragement during times of struggle; explains how frustration and confusion are a normal part of the learning process; and illustrates the steps that can be taken to move from surface-level knowledge to deep understanding. Please visit this link for further information.
https://www.challenginglearning.com/learning-pit/.
Listed below are benefits of using the Learning Pit model in our classrooms (and at home):
Knowing how, when and why to CHALLENGE students appropriately to that they are better able to move from surface knowledge to deep understanding.
Building the SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL LEARNING of students by giving them the opportunity to collaborate with each other in a caring, collaborative and thoughtful way.
Teaching students skills of REASONING, inference, connection and pattern recognition, which aligns nicely with the Mathematics Proficiencies.
Placing CONCEPTS at the heart of learning design so that students are afforded more opportunity to build a holistic understanding of the world, and are able to make connections between Maths and the real world.
Creating a learning culture that combines intellectual risk-taking with PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY so that all students make excellent progress socially as well as academically.
The image below depicts typical behaviour and thoughts exhibited by students when approaching challenging tasks, whether it be in Mathematics or other learning areas.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out via the office if you would like further information on how to support your child at home if they are not feeling confident about their Mathematics learning or if you would like further information about the information provided here. We are here to support you!
Finally, please enjoy playing ‘Get out of my house!’ with your family over the school holidays, suited for our F-2 students. Some classes have already been practising!
Go Maths!
Lee Giddings and Vicki Tzimos