ATTN Mathematics departments and HODs
You, and all of your department, are invited to attend:
TERM ONE GET TOGETHER
Auckland Mathematics Association
WHEN:
VENUE:
TIME:
COST:
Saturday 6 April 2013
Epsom Girls’ Grammar School
Staff room
Silver Road, Epsom, Auckland
Parking in Gate 1 (on Silver Rd which is off Gillies
Ave)
9am – 12.00 pm
$5 koha
Connecting our students with Algebra
.
9am PLENARY SESSION :Sergiy Klymchuk
Auckland University of Technology
“Algebra or Language or both – Students’ Difficulties in Solving Application
Problems”
Abstract: The talk is about students’ difficulties in the formulation step of solving a typical
application problem from a calculus course. The question was to find reasons why most of the
students could not use their knowledge to construct a simple function in a familiar context. It was
neither lack of mathematics knowledge (in this case simple algebra) nor an issue with the context.
The students’ difficulties are analysed along with their suggestions on how to improve their skills in
solving application problems.
9:30 – 10:30am
Workshop 1:
1A Jack Field – University of Auckland
Algebra in real life: Do we REALLY use it? Making the connections for students
Abstract: One of the most common questions asked of maths teachers about algebra is "when are
we ever going to USE this?"
Our responses tend to be about styles of thinking, problem solving etc, all of which is true. BUT:
what if we could provide students will actual, real examples of algebraic thinking in their own
lives? Would that help our teaching? Hopefully, this talk might offer some ideas for addressing the
dreaded question of when they'll ever use algebra, and show that in fact, they engage with algebraic
equations and inequations regularly in their daily lives.
1B Dru Rose
Level 3 Statistical Literacy: Evaluating statistically based reports on polls and surveys.
Abstract: This workshop will give a brief overview of the Polls and Surveys aspect of AS3.12. It
will include a brief exploration of non-sampling errors, use of technology to introduce the concept
of Margin of Error and the rules of thumb used to estimate margins of error when testing claims
made in media reports.
1C Priscilla Allan - Pakuranga College.
"Teaching expanding to year 10 students using
geogebra as a visual representation of the concept of variable".
I will share my applets and how I use them to teach conceptually. I have a visual explanation of
why a negative multiplied by a negative has to be positive. I will also share a range of applets that I
use when teaching algebra at other levels.
1D Robyn Gandell – UNITEC and Rachel Passmore – Auckland University
"Can't sit still: the use of gesture in early algebra"
Abstract: Recent research shows that gestures are used, not just for communication, but also for
thinking and learning. Mathematical thinking can no longer be considered a purely
intellectual activity and teaching and learning of mathematics needs to integrate language
with all the senses including movement and gesture. Can this understanding of
mathematical thinking and learning be used to help students develop patterning and the
early algebraic thinking?
“ Structured Variation Grids” or SVGs.
Abstract: An interactive tool that exploits learners’ natural ability to detect and identify patterns.
The tool was developed by John Mason when he was at The Open University. Potential uses of
SVGs will be investigated including teaching factorisation of quadratics and expansion of two
brackets.
1E Peter Hughes
A Diagnostic Test for the Understanding of Algebra
Abstract: An assessment researched at the University of London of students’ understanding of
algebra from elementary to advanced levels will be presented and discussed. Participants who are
interested in using it in their schools will be able to obtain an electronic copy from
pg.hughes@auckland.ac.nz
10:30-11:00am
Morning tea
11:00-12:00pm
Workshop 2:
2A Malia Puloka
Teaching and Learning Algebra: Looking through the eyes of the learner.
This session offers activities that can be used in the classroom to develop 'algebraic thinking' in the
early stage of high school. Discussions will include common misconceptions in algebra, transition
from arithmetic to algebraic thinking, patterns and generalization. Activites include Booker's Tug of
war, Balancing fruits etc.
2B Mala Nataraj - Selwyn College
"Algebraic activities for both junior and senior students involving generalisation"
Abstract: In this session I will share some activities and worksheets that can be used in both junior
and senior classrooms. Research has shown that the use of letters in algebra presents a difficult
challenge for many students. While some students considered letters as 'specific unknowns' very
few interpret them as 'generalised/general numbers' or 'variables' which hampers their learning.
Discussion will involve pattern generalisation activities that could help to overcome students'
misunderstandings. Another area of difficulty for students is exponential functions. The session
will also include activities and pedagogical strategies involving exponential expressions.
2C Lucy Edmonds
Formal Inference
This workshop will discuss the vertical pathways from Year 11 to Year 13 which end in 3.10 Formal
Inference.The planning and the differentiated teaching approaches can be replicated with the other new
standards. Also we will review resources and assessments created for this new and interesting standard.
2D Arkadii Slinko – Auckland University
Algebra for Cryptology
I will survey several cryptosystems from antiquity to Worls War II and look
into algebra used in those cryptosystems. This is mostly modular arithmetic
modulo 2 and modulo 26. These algebraic systems are simple but give a good
impression of what kind of algebraic effects one might expect in
contemporary algebra and discrete mathematics such as divisors of zero,
noninvertible nonzero numbers etc. Such properties students will encounter
later when they study matrices.
I will provide some fun problems that can be offered to students.
To help with photocopying and the organisation of morning tea,
please register online at
http://www.aucklandmaths.org.nz/upcoming-events/saturdaymorning-workshop-term-1-2013/
Registrations will close on the 4th of April.
Attendance at workshops are on a first-registered-first
served basis so we advise that you pre-register to avoid
disappointment on the day.
Auckland Mathematical Association, PO Box 26 226, Epsom
Epsom Girls Grammar School is located on Silver Rd (off
Gillies Ave) in Epsom.
If you are travelling south on State Highway 1 (Southern
motorway) then take the Gillies Ave exit and turn right onto
Gillies Ave. This will take you straight to Silver Rd (you will
see Raye Freedman Arts Center on your left at entrance to
Silver Rd and school gate 1).
If you are travelling north on State Highway 1 (Southern
motorway) then take the Market Rd exit, turning left onto
Market Rd. Follow either Great South Rd route or Mount St
John Ave route as in map below.
On the day follow the signs from the staff carpark to the staff
room.