26 November 2007

Thirty outstanding numeracy programs across Sydney's Catholic school system were put on display at the second annual Archdiocesan Numeracy Showcase today. 

The symposium gave Mathematics teachers an opportunity to highlight and share their innovative and creative teaching methods with colleagues at a one-day expo at the Waterview Convention Centre, Olympic Park. 

Numeracy project Officer Rosemary Vellar says over 50 Mathematics teachers across Sydney's Catholic schools have been developing best practice models by thinking creatively about numeracy learning for Years 5 to 8 students as part of the 'Celebrating Achievements, Thinking Solutions' mathematics program launched two years ago.

"They have been making a real difference in engaging students in Mathematics, making counting and adding an enjoyable learning experience," she said.

The program which aims to raise expectations of what students can achieve, has been designed to encourage teachers to challenge assumptions and design flexible and creative teaching practices that engage students.

Among those presenting their strategies was St Luke's Primary school at Revesby, which embarked on a eight-week initiative to engage Years 5 and 6 students in real life tasks and help them take ownership over their learning and become better problem solvers. 

To engage them in interpreting data and time, Project teachers Jackie Vella and Mary Anne Malone said they got the students to plan a trip to Taronga Zoo, researching train and ferry trips to work out the cheapest and quickest way to travel. The students used pie and column graphs to record, interpret and analyse the data.

The program involved the use of learning criteria so that teachers and students could effectively track the progress of the students. Once a student achieved certain learning outcomes, they progressed to the next level.

"It was used as a motivational tool for the students. Once the students got to progress to the extension level they felt a sense of personal achievement - they felt empowered," said Ms Malone.

During the showcase, Lisa Smith, a motivational speaker from 'Minds at Work' reminded teachers that often the most creative practices take place when you take a step back and "think big".

"Just because it hasn't been taught, doesn't mean it won't work," she told them. "Pause and recognise the gems!"