Transcript Name: Yoann Henri Le Teuff Subject: Mathematics Core tutor

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.