National Curriculum Math Analysis on Fractions (Deadline is 21st October)

Assignment 1 (CW1): Analysis of a Mathematics Topic within the National Curriculum

This part of the assignment is designed for you to learn about (a) progression of a topic from KS3 up to KS5; (b) some of the standard misconceptions many students have; (c) different teaching approaches which can be adopted; and (d) ways in which technology can be used.

Instructions

Choose just one of the National Curriculum subject content areas of:

· number;

· algebra;

· ratio, proportion and rates of change;

· geometry and measures;

· probability; and

· statistics.

(you could consider a much narrower area within these such as fractions or similarity).

There is a lot which is already known about teaching and learning different areas of mathematics. It is important for you to become aware of some of the research which has been carried out over the years into the teaching and learning of mathematics so that you can start your teaching with awareness of some of the known difficulties students have with your chosen topic and the merits and weaknesses that certain teaching approaches have. This assignment is for you to show that you are aware of what is known within the research literature and be able to engage with the issues raised. Be aware that at this stage of your learning you are not able to say that someone is right or someone else is wrong, so do not try to do this in your presentation.
We also do not want just to hear whether you agree or not agree with what authors have said. Instead, we want to see your ability to discuss the complexity of issues, make connections between different authors and with your own experience as a learner or with times you have observed lessons or taught lessons yourself. We are not just looking for you to summarise what authors have said; we are looking for you to show an ability to be analytical and engage personally with the issues raised without being judgemental.

In your discussion of issues from the literature, you also want you to make some reference to the Mathematics National Curriculum (NC), considering how issues from the literature relate to what appears within the NC. You should conclude with a personal reflection on how this analysis has affected your own ideas about teaching this content area in the future.

CW Guidance

You will make an individual presentation of a maximum of 10 minutes in length. There should be a maximum of 10 slides, which should include an introduction to your chosen topic; a review of relevant literature; common misconceptions; the impact on your own teaching; references.
During your presentation we expect you to:
o Show an awareness of some issues raised in the research literature related to your chosen subject content area. This may include difficulties some students have with the subject area or different approaches which have been taken to teaching that subject area.
o Make reference to the National Curriculum.
o Be able to connect what different authors say about issues.
o To use the literature to help analyse issues rather than just describe them.
o Relate personally to some of the issues, either through:
o your own experience as a learner,
o any observations of teaching you have made,
o any teaching you have done yourself.
o Finish by considering how the literature has affected your own ideas about teaching this content area.
o Provide academic references.
o Be prepared to answer questions.

The final slide of your PowerPoint should contain full references of the papers you have cited during your presentation. We recommend these are in the style of APA – 7th edition.
Following your presentation, there will be approximately five minutes when you will be asked questions related to your presentation. Be aware that you should be in a position to talk about any aspect of your presentation.
Lastly, try to ensure your presentation is engaging and informative. It should show a good depth of thinking and analysis.
Please note that 10 minutes is the MAXIMUM time allowed for your presentation. You will be stopped after 10 minutes if you have not finished, and you may lose marks accordingly if you have not met the brief in that time.