OTRNet Newsletter 31
 
Hi and welcome to our May 2003 Newsletter. 
 
Returning to teaching for the second term of the year means that most of us have now settled in to new classes and courses and have time to look at our teaching and reflect on whether anything can be done better or needs changing.  Hopefully professional development or new resources can provide the stimulus or materials necessary to make these changes.
 
There continues to be a lot of new information available on how we can develop our teaching practises and style to suit the new curricula that have been implemented across Australia.  In this issue of the newsletter I refer to two Internet based sources that are useful for teachers of mathematics.
 
 
 
 
Regards,
Mark
 
 
In this newsletter there is information on:
 
1.    The Latest on the Integrated Maths Modules
 
2.    New Online Resources for Outcomes
 
3.    Progress Maps and Modules
 
4.    Internet Resources
 
5.    Upcoming PD from the Associations
 
 
1.    The Latest on the Integrated Maths Modules
 
Currently the early G modules are in the printing process.  G01 2D Shapes 3, G02 Rates, Ratio, Proportion & Percent 2 and G03 Linear Functions 2 should all be available at the end of this month.  These have been delayed for a short while while they were reviewed against changes in Progress Maps.  A later article refers to changes we are making to accomodate the progress maps.
 
 
Twenty two integrated maths modules are now published and samples from all these modules are available from our website at the link below:
http://www.otrnet.com.au/IntegratedMathsModules/integrated_maths_modules.html.
 
 
You can check availability of all modules at this page of our web site:
http://www.otrnet.com.au/IntegratedMathsModules/Integrated_Maths_Modules_Listing.html
 
 
 
 
2.   New Online Resources for Outcomes
 
During the second half of 2003 we will be adding to our three online subscription service categories with categories that contain Outcomes Based Tasks.  These tasks are being developed by Mike Sinagra who has been teaching mathematics based on the Student Outcome Statements for a number of years and has an excellent understanding of the levels.  These categories will be strand based with the first items from the Space strand available soon.  Schools should find these an excellent resource for materials to use with students at different levels or to assess students' progress.
 
More information on our online subscription services can be found at this page of our website:
 
 
 
 
3.    Progress Maps and Modules
 

A working version of the Curriculum Framework Progress Maps (for W.A.) is now available on the Curriculum Council website.  This is a revision based on the Dept of Education's Student Outcome Statements and Catholic Education Office's Draft Progress Maps. 

OTRNet has been looking at the changes that have been made from the SOS to these revised Progress Maps and has begun to incorporate any changes in the forthcoming G stage modules.  We have also started to alter our spreadsheet that cross references the Integrated Maths Modules against the Progress Maps.  This spreadsheet is available from the following page of our website: http://www.otrnet.com.au/IntegratedMathsModules/IMM_Outcome_Statements_Progress_Maps.html

You can get to the Progress Maps using the following link: 

 
 
 
 
 
4.    Internet Resources
 
 
Although it has a US slant, Mathematically Sane is an excellent website with up to date articles and information.  You can also subscribe to its newsletter which will let you know occasionally about new items.  I really like this quote from one of the current articles available on Reforming Maths Education:  "The good old days of mathematics never were. It's time to help our current generation of children prepare for their future and kiss the good old days goodbye for good."
 
You can find Mathematically Sane at this address:
 
 
Another US based group that provide a wealth of information about how learning occurs is Caine Learning.  The information on Brain/Mind learning that is available at their website is extremely useful in trying to understand the theory behind classroom changes that are happening across the world.
 
You can visit the website at this address:
 
 
 
5.    Upcoming PD from the Associations
 
 
The following professional development opportunities are available in May from state associations.
 
MAWA:    Wednesday 14th May - Afternoon Workshop - "Waddawebeendoin" - Greg Piggott/Sue Butler
 
MAV:    Friday 16th May - MAVRIC
 
QAMT:    Saturday 10th May - May Day Conference - "Take A Chance"
 
 

 
Higher Order Thinking a priority for your students?
 
Use Integrated Maths Modules and you'll find Applications that involve students applying concepts to complex tasks.
 
If you have completed our free registration you can join the growing group of people and schools who order online and now receive 10% 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.
 
 
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Mark R. O'Brien
Online Teachers Resource Network
C.O. Post Office
Wooroloo  WA   6558
Phone: (08) 9573 1367
Fax: (08) 9238 1334