Secondary News

Problem Solving Tips in Numeracy

Anna Seccombe

Some students find transferring written language into mathematical language very complex. The most critical first step is for them to develop an understanding of the language that is being used in the question, and then decide what the question is asking.  

Encourage your child to consider the following steps when completing tasks that require problem solving.

Identify in the question what specifically is being asked. “What do I need to find out?”

Identify the information you do have. i.e. “What do I already know?” “Do I have a diagram to help me?”

Underline key words that tell you what method, operation or formula you have to use to calculate the answer.

In many cases drawing a diagram helps you to visualise the problem and bring all given knowledge together. Label the diagram with the information you have been given.

If you have been given a diagram but the information is not labelled on the diagram then do so using the information given to in the question.

Identify the steps required to solve the problem.

Make sure you're working out is clearly set out and calculations are accurate in each step.

Check your work. Get a friend, parent or teacher to go over your calculations.

Make sure your work is neat and is easy to read.

The following websites have some great word problems for secondary students to complete for revision.

http://www.analyzemath.com/middle_school_math/grade_9/problems.html

http://people.stfx.ca/rtmacdon/mathproblems/

http://www.purplemath.com/modules/ageprobs.htm

http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/decimals/solve_word_problems

2017 'Let's Hang It'

Peter McKenzie

Congratulations to Emily Di Donna, who along with other art students entered the University of New England School Acquisitive Art Prize (UNESAP) 2017 'Let's Hang It' artwork competition recently. Emilys' artwork titled 'Mr. Henderson', was a finalist for which she received a Certificate of Distinction at the opening night of the exhibition in Armidale.

Secondary Homework Club

When: Each Wednesday

Time: 8.00am

Venue: The Learning Centre