Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Name: Yoann Henri Le Teuff Subject: Mathematics Core tutor: Jeanette Perry University of Warwick Secondary PGCE 2004-2005 CA1: professional portfolio Task Number: 7 Title: Key Skills Key Skills & Mathematics Key Skills Communication Application of number Information Technology (ICT) Working with others Improving own learning & performance Problem solving Mathematics is ideal to develop these skills. Communication In Mathematics, there is the need to: Explain and share concepts & methods. Devise a logical reasoning: the thinker must be subtle, clear & articulate. Understand and use numerous conventions, ancient and foreign alphabets, abstract symbols, etc. Application of number Mathematics is the subject of number manipulation and application “par excellence” (especially via Statistics). Pupils must develop the following judgements on use of numbers: – How many decimal places are meaningful? – Which convention is best to write numbers (1.12×102, 2, 3.274658738, ¾, ∞, etc)? – When to use and not to use numbers (algebra, with substitution of letters by numbers) – Meaning of a number (size, ratio, probability, etc.) Information Technology (ICT) ICT is very effective for demonstrations in Mathematics: it provides a feel for what abstract concepts represent: Geometry: constructions and properties (dynamic-geometry software) Graphing (plotting software) Data handling (spreadsheets with statistical functions): for statistics and probabilities Working with others Mathematics is not a solitary activity! Group work is essential in many mathematical activities: Coursework: individual work benefits from group discussions on certain problems. Investigation activities: teamwork requires exchange of ideas and hypotheses within the team. Elaboration of proofs: does the current logical reasoning hold to others’ scrutiny? Improving own learning & performance Investigative tasks enhance one’s ability at problem solving. Assessment of one’s weaknesses: straight forward; one needs to practice more what one did wrong. Performance can be improved by sharing efficient methods and tricks with others. Learning is always progressive as one can build on what one has already learnt. Problem solving Forms bulk of mathematical activities. Investigative work Coursework Solving equations Deriving/using properties Devising better solving methods Getting an answer! Conclusions Mathematics enables the expression and acquisition of all key skills without contrivance. The context where these key skills are involved can be found in professional life (e.g., Statistics and numerical-problem solving): little adaptation to ‘real life’ is required.