OTRNet Newsletter 39
 
Hi and welcome to our May newsletter.
 
Recently I had the opportunity while relief teaching to show FX Draw to two teachers who had not previously seen the software.  In view of this, I've included a section on this great package that I believe is a maths teacher's most valuable software.
 
The newsletter also includes part 3 of the series "Learning & Teaching with the Integrated Maths Modules", to help teachers and schools who have adopted our materials or to inform others of what the modules are about.
 
 
I hope that you will find something that helps your teaching in this month's newsletter.
 
 
Regards,
 
Mark
 
 
In this newsletter there is information on:
 
1.    The Latest on the Integrated Maths Modules
 
2.    Internet Resources
 
3.    Learning & Teaching With The Modules - Part 3
 
4.    FX Draw
 
5.    Puzzle #2
 
6.    Upcoming PD from the Associations
 
 
 
1.    The Latest on the Integrated Maths Modules
 
 
The next module for release is module H07: Periodic Functions.  This module looks at sine, cosine and tangent as functions.  The content of the module is similar to other functions modules, looking at situations modelled by periodic functions, the graphs of the functions and using them to find and predict values.
 
If you require help or advice regarding programming the modules, email me and I will be able to offer suggestions and guidance.  See this page for further information and sample programes: http://www.otrnet.com.au/IntegratedMathsModules/IMM_Programming.html
 
Thirty four integrated maths modules are now published and samples from all these modules are available from our website via the page linked to here: http://www.otrnet.com.au/IntegratedMathsModules/module_samples.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.  Internet Resources
 
Two more Internet sites that may provide you with direct support for your lessons, or with the opportunity to enhance your ability to teach mathematics. 
 
Content: CIESE Online Classroom Projects
This site from the Centre for Improved Engineering & Science Education provides links to quality projects rich in both mathematics and science.  Projects include "Navigational Vectors" covering: How do pilots find their way? Track a real airplane in flight and learn how vectors and trigonometry are used for aviation navigation.
You can find this site at: http://njnie.dl.stevens-tech.edu/currichome.html
 
Pedagogy: Funderstanding - Brain Based Learning
Funderstanding offers insights into many educational theories including brain based learning principles.  This site includes the principles and instructional techniques and looks at how brain based learning theories impact eduction.
You can find this site at: http://www.funderstanding.com/brain_based_learning.cfm
 
 
 
3.    Learning & Teaching With The Modules - Part 3
 
 
The Integrated Maths Modules support a student centred classroom - what does this mean and how does it work?
 
In many areas student centred is referred to as learner centred in that the focus is on developing in each student, a sense of responsibility for their learning.  By empowering students with the skills and enthusiasm to learn for themselves as they mature the learning that can take place in a classroom is accelerated.  A well planned student centred learning environment will have the student group surging ahead and the teacher facilitator moving along with them.  A teacher centred classroom however, usually involves quite a bit of "pushing" from the teacher to keep the learning process moving.
 
By providing students with learning experiences that they tackle with a degree of independence and with a less stringent timeline, each student's needs and abilities are better met.  In a classroom where the teacher directs the learning a proportion of students are not going to match the pace of the learning or fit in with the style of instruction.
 
To achieve this style of learning each module is written as a collection of learning experiences for students to engage in over a period of two to four weeks.  Students will vary in how much of the work they cover, but as each module aims to expose students continuously to a set of key outcomes all will move their level of understanding on from its previous point.  The teacher's role in this classroom will be to encourage, stimulate and support the learning.  In a practical role, the teacher will manage progress of the class so that they move through the learning cycle as a group.
 
You can read more on Student Centred Learning from the RASCL website by following this link:
 
Further articles and information on Student Centred Learning are available via this page of our website:
 
I hope this provides more background on the modules learning philosophy.  In the next newsletter I will discuss the Cooperative Learning aspects of "Learning & Teaching with the Modules".  Feel free to email me to discuss this further if you wish: mailto:markrobrien@otrnet.com.au
 
The PowerPoint presentation "Focusing On Learning in the Classroom" that includes reference to how these principles underly the classroom structure can be viewed from our website at this location:
 
 
 
4.    FX Draw
 
 
FX Draw, which is now in version 2, is a piece of software designed by ex teacher Paul Hooper.  It will draw virtually any diagram you require in mathematics and has been used by OTRNet for all diagrams in our materials since the Living Maths series was first published.
 
FX Draw 2 is marketed by Efofex, you'll find their website at: http://www.efofex.com.au
You can download a demonstration version of FX Draw 2, trial it, and then buy if you like it.
 
A great innovation from Efofex is their bank of email tutorials.  Once enrolled, you get a regular short tutorial on a feature of the software and over a period of time you can become an expert user!
 
 
 
5.    Puzzle #2 (A free resource for readers!)
 
 
Here is the second in our series of Puzzles from the IMM series.  Presented as a pdf file this puzzle can be downloaded by newsletter readers and copied for use in their classroom.
 
This week's puzzle is "Australian swimming greats" from module B02: Angle 1.  It is based on students accurately reading bearings.
 
To download the puzzle use the link below:
(It may work directly to left click on the link or you may need to right click and choose "Save Target As".)
 
 
 
6.    Upcoming PD from the Associations
 
 
Notice of Professional Development from the Associations.
 
MAWA:   
Afternoon Workshop: Tuesday 25th May: MAWA Office - Mirrabooka [I will be running this workshop titled "Constructivist Learning in a Student-Centred Environment with students Learning Cooperatively".  This workshop aims to expand on these three learning theories that are the underlying principles of the learning focussed classroom that our modules support.]
Primary Convention: Friday 28th & Saturday 29th May: Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle
Afternoon Workshop: Tuesday 1st June
 
QAMT:
TI Data Logging Workshop: Monday 24th May: Redcliffe State High School
Groundworks One Day Conference: Saturday 7th August: QUT elving Grove Campus
Forum: ICT and Mathematics: Saturday 21st August: Venue to be announced
 
MASA:
PD Session: May: University of SA - Mawson Lakes
Mini Conference: June: Annesley College
 
MAV:   
Middle Years Maths Day: Friday 11th June: Bendigo
Middle Years Maths Day: Friday 3rd September: Croydon 
2004 MAV Annual Conference: Thursday 2 and Friday 3 December: Monash University, Clayton Campus
 
MANSW:   
General Mathematics: Saturday 5th June: Loretto College, Normanhurst
2004 Annual Conference: 26th to 28th of September: Mudgee
 

 

Outcomes Based Resources
 
New in our Subscription Service for 2004 are four categories of outcomes based resources by Mike Sinagra.  Worksheets and tests are available.  See this page: http://www.otrnet.com.au/subsfolder/CatsDEFG_information.html
 
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: 0427 957 313  or  (08) 9573 1367
Fax: (08) 9238 1334