Maths
Area
Math
Duration
50 minutes
Dimension of the advised group of students
10-30
Specific objectives
To facilitate the identification of students' gaps in the knowledge of maths to effectively attend their higher education courses.
To provide Math teachers with the necessary teaching sources so that they can help their students to overcome existing gaps.
To increase students’ engagement, motivation and sense of being challenged.
Needed Materials
Computer + internet connection
Software
To interact online with students use:
-online communication platform, such us: zoom, google meets, etc
-tools to deliver the training and working in groups: mentimenter, jamboard, slido, kahoot, etc.
Description
The MathE platform provides teachers and students with:
• Assessment tools to identify the areas where the students' maths entry skills need to be improved.
• An Online Math Library offering teachers and students video based teaching and learning resources to reinforce specific mathematical topics. The digital educational resources can be used as a work tool, individually or as team work.
Although the platform addresses university students, there are resources on Fundamental Mathematics and Elementary Geometry, which can be used by our target group. The platform enables students to identify the areas where the students' maths basic skills need to be improved. It enables students to self-assess their knowledge and provides teachers with final tests to assess students’ knowledge. The research has identified the following gaps in students’ knowledge: manipulation of algebraic expressions, trigonometric functions, real functions of a single variable, differentiation, integration, matrix and determinants, geometrical interpretation, eigenValues and eigenvectores, linear systems, complex numbers, graphs, optimization, limits and sequences, statistics and real functions of several variables and differential equations.
The tool could be used with students at risk of demotivation because students can work whenever they feel like it and at their own pace. The activities can also be done in pairs.
The tool can be used and applied in both a fully virtual/at distance teaching context and a blended learning one.
Procedure on how to put in practice
Duration: 50 min
No of Participants: 10-50
Methods used: discussion, presentation
Communication in mother tongue.
Step-by-step description:
1. The trainer presents the tool to students and gives them instructions on how to use it.
2. The students are invited to select a certain topic to identify their weak points students.
3. They start doing the activities (multiple choice questions) that the platform suggests.
4. The platform also provides students with a final assessment tool specially created for them by their teachers. The teachers can use the questions available in the MathE database or they can add their own questions.
Debriefing question: What advice would you give a teenager who has gaps in his maths knowledge? How can they work on their math knowledge and skills?
