Mathematics

Mathematics can be both fun and stressful, however, success in mathematics mainly depends on the secret of making the "math learning process" an enjoyable experience for the students - yes, easy to say than done! Kids at primary level are easily distracted - getting them to focus on a maths exercise for a reasonably long time can be a challenging task for parents and teachers. In general, it is correct to say that kids don't hate mathematics. However, if they are not properly guided with appropriate teaching techniques and exercises (both paper-pencil type and practical activity based), things can change the other way around.

What level of mathematical skills required?

In Victoria, the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is responsible for setting quality curriculum and assessment programs for all schools across Victoria. VCAA defines the level of mathematical skills to be developed at each stage from Prep to Year 10. These skill levels are incorporated into the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS). For mathematics, VELS Standards by Level (note each level covers two years) describe in detail the expected level of achievement.

Learning Dimensions of Mathematics

Mathematics is organized in 5 dimensions:

o Number

o Space

o Measurement, Chance, and Data

o Structure

o Working Mathematically

Students need to perform enough exercises, examples, and concept understading activities to reach the required skill level for each primary and secondary year.

Teaching Strategies

A variety of teaching teachniques can be adopted to ensure an effective and efficient learning environment for the kids. These include:

o Paper and pencil type exercises

o Activity based exercises

o Computer based exercises

o Other interative teaching techniques

It is advisable to use a combination of above techniques to help the learning process of kids - it is also known that some kids prefer one technique to another. It is important to discover the most effective approach for your kid and focus on that more than the others!

Examples:

We provide here some examples of "computer based teaching" - these exercises are based on SMART Notebook. The SMART Notebook software can be down-loaded for free.

Coming soon!

Sample Notes/Worksheets [Primary]:

• • Times table practice worksheet [times-tables.pdf]

  • 2D and 3D shapes worksheet [2D-3D-shapes.pdf]

  • Find out the weights worksheet [exer-primary.pdf]

  • Introduction to fractions [fractions.pdf]

  • Problem solving [Maths problem1.pdf]

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