SMC Stirling Conference 2011

The Keynote Address A Box of Mathematical Delights

2011-01-22T21:03:00.000Z

Professor Adam McBride
Adam has a unique insight into the development of mathematical education in Scotland and will present a personal view of the scene over the last 40 years along with some of the many pleasures it has brought him.

Workshop A: Mathematics and Mobile Phones

2011-01-22T21:01:00.000Z

Dr Philip Knight, Dept. of Maths and Stats, University of Strathclyde
The ubiquity of the mobile phone is clearly a triumph of engineering.
But have you ever considered how much of its success relies on mathematics? From the design of aerials to the secure transmission of information, the mobile phone serves as a great example of maths in action. Here we give a brief tour of some of these areas, including a look at the link between the study of the causes of war by a pacifist from Dunoon and the small size of today's phones.

Workshop B: Lesson from America

2011-01-22T21:00:00.000Z

Nevil Hopley, PT Maths, George Watson's College
The SMC recently supported my attendance at an American Maths Conference and this workshop will share some of the experiences and activities that I gained: They will include ways to teach calculus concepts to pre-Higher students, listening to the 'tune' of any function using Geometer's Sketchpad, optimisation problems and algebra activities using TI-Nspire. Participants can use all of these activities with their own SG, Int2, H and AH students.

Workshop C: Problem solving, proof and precision in mathematics No 6

2011-01-22T20:59:00.000Z

Clive Chambers
A further look at presentations, non-routine questions and problems in mathematics that will help stimulate thinking skills and interest in a wide range of mathematics. Now including a new feature: what am I reading?

Workshop D: FEUERSTEIN APPROACHES IN MATHEMATICS

2011-01-22T20:57:00.000Z

Anne -Theresa Lawrie, Scottish Borders Council and Pauline Anderson, Kelso High School
Mediated Learning Experience is a teaching methodology which ensures that students are aware: of what they are learning; why they are learning and how to transfer learning across the curriculum. Two learning communities in Scottish Borders have developed Mediated Learning Experience as the key teaching and learning vehicle for delivery of many of the aims of CfE. Kelso High School Mathematics Department has introduced a thinking skills programme called Instrumental Enrichment (IE) into the S1/S2 maths course and this is based on research which demonstrates that students who participate in IE improve their mathematical abilities.

Workshop E: Connecting it up: Towards a route map for STEM education in Scotland

2011-01-22T20:55:00.000Z

Elsa Ekevall and Alan Roach, University of Glasgow
You will have an opportunity to learn about the STEM Pathways mapping work that the SMC is participating in. Science, technology and mathematics teachers are working collaboratively to illustrate successively more sophisticated ways of thinking and learning about "core ideas" across STEM subjects, over time. This reveals interconnections across the STEM disciplines. Using the developed STEM Pathways, opportunities will be highlighted to

(i) exploit cross-disciplinary synergies and reinforce learning,

(ii) harmonise methods, processes and vocabulary, and

(iii) implement a range of relevant and engaging interdisciplinary projects

The “Connecting It Up” project is funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and is a collaboration between STEMED Scotland, ASE, TTA and SMC.

Workshop F: “Teaching Personal Finance in Mathematics”.

2011-01-22T20:53:00.000Z

Rod McKee & Jeremy Williams, ifs School of Finance
The workshop will demonstrate how personal finance can develop the application and relevance of mathematical skills for all maths pupilsirrespective of their ability. Resources currently available will be demonstrated and the experiences of schools who have already introduced personal finance will be shared.

Workshop G: Active Learning using Handheld Technology

2011-01-22T20:52:00.000Z

Karen Birnie and Rona Lindsay, Aboyne Academy
How can you ensure that ALL pupils are actively engaged in mathematical activities? This workshop will demonstrate a range of individual and group activities for S1–S6 pupils using modern handheld technology, which allows pupils to investigate mathematical concepts and develop their thinking and reasoning skills.

Workshop H: Dyscalculia- the acceptable difficulty?"

2011-01-22T20:50:00.000Z

Hazel Lowe (Mrs Maths), Maths Consultant
In this workshop Hazel examines dyscalculia, the causes and symptoms and how to help pupils who have this life limiting disability. Society seems to accept "being bad at maths", but has a different attitude to other learning difficulties. The research suggests that 4-6% of the population have this difficulty, which could mean that as many two children in every class are affected. Practical classroom solutions will be discussed.

Workshop I: "But you said . . . "

2011-01-22T20:49:00.000Z

Jim Reid, PT Mathematics, SQA
Are there things that teachers say in the classroom which may cause confusion to pupils? If so how do teachers then get pupils to communicate effectively using Mathematical language and maybe even a little proof.

Workshop J: Encouraging the development of problem solving skills in S1 and S2 pupils

2011-01-22T20:47:00.000Z

Linda Moon & Peter Richmond, Glasgow Academy
An interactive workshop that will demonstrate some activities that may be used in the classroom to encourage the development of problem solving skills and improve number bonds, particularly with S1 and S2 pupils. This session will revisit some ideas that practitioners are likely to have seen before, but will introduce some new activities and a variety of approaches to embed problem solving within the curriculum. Most of the activities could be adapted for both younger and older pupils.

Workshop K: Progression and other Principles

2011-01-22T20:45:00.000Z

Barbara Gray, Quality Improvement Officer (Acting), Aberdeen City Council
This workshop explores how we can strengthen and improve the pivotal transition between Primary and Secondary education by providing all learners with a consistent and coherent approach to learning, teaching and assessment. Practical ideas and illustrations will be shared throughout.

Workshop L: Catch Up Numeracy

2011-01-22T20:44:00.000Z

Vicky Quinn, Quality Improvement Officer, North Lanarkshire Council
Catch Up Numeracy, is based on the work of Oxford University psychologist Ann Dowker, and is widely used in England and Wales and has now been adapted for Scottish education. It homes in on the important core components of numeracy, which include counting, number comparison, tens and units, ordinal numbers, word problems, estimation, and both remembered and derived facts.

Workshop M: Using Glow to support collaborative and independent working in Maths and Numeracy

2011-01-22T20:42:00.000Z

Joanne Connolly, Educational Consultant, Glow Team, RM
By looking at a range of Glow tools, including more recent additions such as Forums, Blogs and Wikis, this session will explore how Glow can support the delivery of the CfE Maths and Numeracy experiences and outcomes and provide opportunities for communication and collaboration amongst both pupils and staff. The use of Glow to support the delivery of Standard Grade and NQ courses will also be covered. We will look at the potential of Glow Learn, Glow’s virtual learning environment, which offers many opportunities for sharing resources and opening up learning opportunities. The session will also explore how Glow can be used for both formative and summative assessment. Examples of existing Glow usage within mathematics classrooms will be shared to give participants a realistic idea of the potential of Glow.

Workshop N: I cannae dae Maths!

2011-01-22T20:41:00.000Z

Chris Ward, Cooperative Learning Consultant
Do you think that some of your students have a “fixed” mindset about Maths? Have you ever heard “I can’t do maths?” or “Maths is too hard!” Have we sometimes thought of intelligence as a “fixed” commodity, especially in relation to our own subject? Using Carol Dweck’s work as a springboard, let’s investigate how Cooperative Learning strategies in our Maths classrooms can promote and support “growth” mindsets in our students.

Workshop O: Active Learning from Effective Questions

2011-01-22T20:39:00.000Z

Sheona Goodall, Teacher Induction Manager, Fife Council
Active learning can actually happen while learners are sitting on chairs behind desks! In this session Sheona will share a few simple ideas and strategies that support learning, engagement and motivation through cognitive activity. There will be a focus on the use of well-framed questions to build in support, pace and challenge.

Workshop P: The FunMaths Roadshow

2011-01-22T20:37:00.000Z

Fiona McLeod, Musselburgh Grammar School
This is a collection of 300 puzzles suitable for use with school pupils, college students and university undergraduates between the ages of 10 and 20. This session will give you an opportunity to hear how one school has used the puzzles to provide pupils with fun and challenging learning experiences. Participants will be able to try out some puzzles.

Workshop Q: Helping pupils build their understanding of Number and Algebra

2011-01-22T20:36:00.000Z

Mark Davidson, David Watkins, Rachel Forbes and Trevor Leach, Midlothian Council
This workshop will share the experience of a maths department who have placed an emphasis on the development an understanding of number and algebra concepts. It will consist of an overview of how programmes of study were fundamentally restructured to meet the needs of pupils; how learning is now assessed; and how learning and teaching has changed in classrooms as a result of this approach.

Workshop R: The new examinations in Mathematics

2011-01-22T20:34:00.000Z

John Topping, SQA, Qualifications Development Consultant, Curriculum for Excellence
John will update participants on the development of the Curriculum for Excellence Mathematics exams at National 4/National 5 and the relationship between Maths and Numeracy.

Workshop S: Using diagnostic assessment in mathematics to improve learning and teaching

2011-01-22T20:32:00.000Z

Craig Lowther Learning and Teaching Officer Mathematics and Numeracy, The Moray Council and Fiona Burness, Knockando Primary School
Primary and secondary schools in Moray have started to use diagnostic interviews to assess pupil’s strategies and knowledge within the number organisers. You will have an opportunity to try out the diagnostic interview and hear how the introduction of these assessments has changed the how, what, why and when of mathematical learning.

Workshop T: Writing good prelim and test questions

2011-01-22T20:30:00.000Z

Rosemary Cameron, Principal Teacher of Mathematics, Drummond Community High School, Setter SG Maths SQA
Rosemary will examine what makes a good assessment question and offer advice on how to adapt questions from various sources with a view to being able to produce prelim papers which are both suitable for appeals and allow pupils to demonstrate their skills.

Workshop U: Using formative e-Assessment in Mathematics

2011-01-22T20:29:00.000Z

Presentation by Margaret Ferguson (Hermitage Academy) and Helen Ashton (SCHOLAR)
Hermitage Academy has been using formative e-Assessment in Mathematics with students from S1 through to S6 and its extended use led to a Scottish e-Assessment Award for Formative e-Assessment. This innovative approach makes use of the SCHOLAR Intermediate Mathematics material which is based on the SQA curriculum. This highly interactive material is designed to help prepare students for end-of-unit assessments. The approach allows for individual progression by pupils to reach their maximum potential in a subject where innate ability needs nurturing. A variety of methods can be used with different ability groups, from individual home use to group work within the classroom environment. This workshop will share examples of practice, explore the underlying motivations and share the experiences of both student and teacher.

Workshop V: Learning together: mathematics

2011-01-22T20:27:00.000Z

Fiona Robertson, HMIE
From her recent experiences in a number of Scottish Schools and Local Authorities, Fiona will share aspects of emerging practice, examine interesting developments and discuss the current issues as teachers implement Curriculum for Excellence.

Workshop W: Curriculum for Excellence and Cooperative Learning = Perfect Pals!

2011-01-22T20:25:00.000Z

Monica Kirson, Maths Teacher, Our Lady’s High School, Cumbernauld
This workshop focuses on using Co-operative Learning techniques to deliver CfE in Maths. Monica will again keep you actively engaged throughout this session, helping you to enjoy and appreciate the power of Co-operative Learning in delivering CfE in Maths. In her travels around Scotland when seconded to LTS, Monica was made aware that “PAIRED” seating arrangement are most favoured in Maths, therefore, each session will include using Co-operative Learning techniques in PAIRS.

Workshop X: Enabling Links Between Numeracy and Literacy.

2011-01-22T20:23:00.000Z

Dawn Colford and Lindsey Duncan, Hermitage Academy
The workshop will exemplify practical strategies for building links between these major curricular areas. It traces the development of integrated numeracy and literacy skills in the HMIe-endorsed cross-curricular projects used in the English and Mathematics departments at Hermitage Academy.

Workshop Y: Numeracy across Learning – Developing Financial Capability

2011-01-22T17:43:00.000Z

Hazel Lowe, Kenny Ferguson and Jim Lally
In December 2010 Learning and Teaching Scotland published Financial Education: Developing Skills for Learning, Life and Work, a copy of which was sent to every school in January 2011. This framework document describes how financial education should be embedded in Curriculum for Excellence. In particular there is a focus on how developing financial capability is a key aspect of ‘numeracy across learning’. This presentation will focus on practical ways in which secondary schools can deliver the numeracy outcomes and experiences that will help develop every young person’s financial skills. Examples of developing practice will be exemplified and ready to use resources for learning and teaching will be examined.

Workshop Z: Highland Curriculum for Excellence Maths Working Group

2011-01-22T17:42:00.000Z

Deirdre Murray, Charleston Academy
This workshop offers participants the chance to access resources created by the Highland Council Maths Curriculum for Excellence Working Group. The group have been developing materials to help deliver the new outcomes, in particular looking at learning and teaching activities, literacy in mathematics, developing an exemplar theme around real life contexts as well as resources for outcomes new to the curriculum.

Workshop AA: Implementing Curriculum for Excellence Mathematics

2011-01-22T17:39:00.000Z

Numeracy Support Team, LTS
This session will focus upon effective strategies for and emerging practices in progressing key aspects of Curriculum for Excellence Mathematics implementation, including:

- working with Experiences and Outcomes

- skills progression

- learning and teaching to engage and motivate

- assessment, tracking, and monitoring

- sources of information and support

Workshop BB: Meeting Maths and Numeracy CfE Learning Outcomes and Experiences in Engaging and Fun Ways

2011-01-22T17:36:00.000Z

John Friel, Maths Teacher and Tony MacDonald PT Maths, St Aidan’s High School
Various activities from whole year group projects to end of topic assessments, meeting various CfE outcomes, can be put into engaging contexts for young people. Projects in which pupils can: manage their own Record Label; design their own Theme Park; research a Famous Mathematician of their choosing; and compete in The Apprentice. This workshop will show you how and why these projects were created, what they involved and the enjoyment each of the young people had from taking part. The workshop will also look at how to assess pupils’ understanding of learning outcomes and experiences in exciting ways such as: guiding Spider-Man around New York City using bearings and scale drawings; helping Batman save Gotham using speed/distance/time calculations; helping Doctor Who calculate when in time he is; or helping Jack Sparrow find treasure using area calculations. As well as being engaging, these activities assist in the production of NARs/LARs.

Workshop CC: Teaching Advanced Higher Mathematics Interactively

2011-01-22T17:35:00.000Z

Graeme Nolan, PT Mathematics, Airdrie Academy
This workshop will demonstrate the use of a Smartboard to share ideas and interactive techniques that have proven to be very successful and have led to excellent results in this challenging course. Specific topics covered include Calculus, Proof & Number Theory and Complex Numbers.

Workshop DD: What do a big bag of M&M's, a tin of Beans and Gravity have in common?

2011-01-22T17:34:00.001Z

Michael Aitchison, Invergordon Academy
Some ideas for practical activities in Higher Maths. (Warning: this workshop may contain nuts)

Workshop EE: Feedback on Higher 2010

2011-01-22T17:34:00.000Z

Jim Reid, PT Mathematics, SQA
Feedback from the 2010 Higher Mathematics Examination and what centres can do in preparing pupils for the forthcoming 2011 examination.

Conference Organisation

2011-01-22T17:31:00.001Z

As you will appreciate the organisation of this year's conference was a major task. Any comments you have to help improve upon its general organisation for future years would be appreciated.

Exhibitors' Area

2011-01-22T17:31:00.000Z

The exhibitors' area at conference is always busy. Your comments regarding the exhibitors' area would be appreciated.

Lunch

2011-01-22T17:30:00.000Z

Every effort is made to provide an excellent lunch at conference. Your comments on its provision this year would be appreciated.