OTRNet Newsletter
13
Hi and welcome to our March Newsletter.
This month we have contributions from Paul Brown,
creator of Spreadsheet Explorations and Ellita De Nardi, author of Networking
Tables.
This comes on top of our usual news on products and an
interesting lead to some online PD.
In this newsletter there is information
on:
1. Samples from the Chance
Processes Module
2. Priority Support for the
Integrated Maths Modules
3. Using Spreadsheet
Explorations with creator Paul Brown
4. Focus on Networking Tables by
author Ellita De Nardi
5. How Multiple
Intelligences affect Teaching Mathematics
1. Samples
from the Chance Processes Module
Integrated Maths Module B01: Chance Processes has
now been trialled and is in the publication stage. As promised in the last
newsletter we now have pdf files of one activity and one application available
for you to use. Rather than us create attachments to the newsletter (with
the inherent concerns about viruses etc) you can get copies of these files to
print and use by sending a blank e-mail to OTRNet. Simply click on the
link below and send, we will reply to you directly with the files
attached.
2. Priority Support for the
Integrated Maths Modules
A number of schools have now purchased sets
of Integrated Maths Modules and are using them in classrooms in Western
Australia and Queensland. If your school purchases substantial copies of
the modules you will be placed on our Priority Support list and have fast e-mail
access to support, ideas, advice etc. You will be notified of this access
on your purchase.
The writing, trialling and publishing of these
modules continues with the stage B modules nearing completion and work
progressing on stage C and D modules. We are
certainly enjoying teaching from the modules and are starting to see the
benefits. As our year 8's complete their third module they are starting to need
less teacher input and are becoming more independant learners. The
acceptance of the responsibility for learning by the students is a direction we
should all be heading.
If you want help or advice as to how you can try
out a student centred, constructivist program based around these modules contact
Mark at OTRNet using this e-mail link: E-mail
Mark for Implementation Support
3. Using Spreadsheet Explorations with
creator Paul Brown
An alternative to the "Too Hard"
basket
Spreadsheets are an appropriate technology for many
mathematical problems. The curriculum requires exposure to such technology. But
how do you introduce your students to spreadsheets?
Students can easily be put off by the blank initial screen
of a spreadsheet because it's not as inviting as Playstation! They need a
high-interest "front end" either in the content of the mathematical problem or
in the initial on-screen presentation. I have tried to provide both of these
elements in the Spreadsheet Explorations available on OTRNet.
It can be difficult for a teacher to book a computer
lab, master all the demands of how the machines are set up, and also
present a meaningful lesson in novel surroundings. By having prepared
spreadsheet files ready to go, with all instructions on the screen, the
experience is a lot less daunting. When you see your students keen to get to the
"Jokes" file, and keen to help each other, you will feel positive about teaching
with spreadsheets.
There are a dozen files in Spreadsheet Explorations. The
introductory files can be completed quickly, perhaps in a single period. The
Teachers Notes suggest ways of assessing that the students have "done" each
file. The other files are more complex and should be used as you teach the
associated mathematical content areas. Two written assignments, with check
tests, are included in the Spreadsheet Explorations package. They are Word
files, ready for you to customise if required.
Some of the ideas tackled in Spreadsheet explorations are:
real data for statistical analysis, sequences, recurring decimals, depreciation,
the algebra of magic squares, modelling your body as a group of cylinders, and
statistical graphs. These are not topics taught as in a traditional textbook,
but attractively posed ideas for the students to explore.
I hope you find Spreadsheet Explorations useful in your
teaching and fun to use. All feedback is gratefully received.
Paul Brown
This link takes you to
information on Spreadsheet Explorations:
Category D: Spreadsheet Explorations
[NO LONGER AVAILABLE AFTER DEC 2002]
4. Focus on
Networking Tables by author Ellita De Nardi
For primary teachers we restart our support
of teachers using the Networking Tables series in this newsletter with Ellita
focusing on page 31 of the 5X Tables book. If you want some
background and information on this activity e-mail us using one of the links
below and we will send you a copy of the page and/or the background
information.
5. How
Multiple Intelligences Affect Teaching Mathematics
The Internet is an efficient tool for teachers
to learn as well as students (and much cheaper and easier than
PD!). While researching information on MI recently I found a
thought provoking paper on Mathematics and Multiple Intelligences on Mark Wahl's
web site. (This paper can also be found on the New Horizons web site -
more of that in the next newsletter). It's great for your first read on MI
or if you simply want to know more.
Have you taken a
look at our Internet Assignments category? - create a learning environment
that uses the Internet to immerse students in Mathematics.
Don't forget that if you have
completed our free registration you can join the growing group of people and schools who order online to get 5% discount off normal
prices!
OTRNet thanks you for your time in looking at our
newsletter.
Please forward this newsletter to a friend if you
think it may be useful for them.
If you received this newsletter from a friend and
wish to get subsequent editions you can join here: http://www.otrnet.com.au/
Mark R.
O'Brien
Online Teachers Resource
Network
C.O. Post Office
Wooroloo WA
6558
Phone: (08) 9573 1367
Fax: (08) 9238
1334