EDMA262 Assessment 2

  Big Ideas This week we looked at the concept, skills and strategies in geometry. Geometry can be defined as, “An organised, logical and coherent system for the study of shape, space and measurement” (Jamieson-Proctor, 2021). It involves the study of 1D (lines), 2D (planes) & 3D (solid) shapes. Many mathematical ideas can be represented in geometric ways. Such as aspects of fractions, multiplication and spatial patterns that lead to algebraic expressions (Reys et al., 2020). Geometry can be applied to creative pursuits, as well, and is used quite often in art.  As a teacher, I need to ensure that my students understand and can apply the 5 skills of geometry, and understand that geometry is more than just 2D shapes. Concept, Skill or Strategy 5 skills of geometry 1. Visualising – the ability to look at a shape and recognise what it is, and the attributes it possesses. Visual skills include recognising similarities and differences in shapes, interpreting diagrams and sket...

Big ideas This week was all about the concept of measurement. Measurement is of important significance in our everyday lives, with Reys et a. (2020), identifying measurement as the concept from the primary mathematics curriculum that is used the most directly in students’ lives. We use measurement for areas such as time, temperature and money, and other real-life situations, like finding the number of tiles needed to cover a bathroom. The concept of any measurement is counting units. Teaching sequence for measurement: 1. Identify the concept and make sure students understand the attribute they are measuring e.g. area, length 2. Choose an appropriate unit of measurement for the attribute being measured 3. Measure object using chosen unit 4. Record the number of units Concept A focus on length: This concept, like any other measurement concept, needs to be taught using the 4-step teaching sequence mentioned above. An appropriate unit of measurement should be chosen based on the stage of t...

Big Ideas The content this week extends on the pre-algebra and patterning from week 9. As we learnt last week, algebra is an ability to understand relationships and patterns, with an algebraic equation being a statement of a relationship. Algebra is the most abstract thinking of number understanding, and helps develop critical thinking skills. As problems, patterns and relations are an essential part of mathematics at school, it is important students can succeed in algebra to assist them in further developing their problem-solving skills and logic and reasoning (Reys et al., 2020). Concept, Skill or Strategy An understanding of the concept of equality is crucial for success in algebra. As covered in week 9, the equal sign is something that can cause misconceptions among students, as many believe it means “the answer” to an equation (Reys et al., 2020). As a teacher, I need to make sure my students understand that equality is a state of balance between both sides of the equal sign. Two ...