Instant Maths Ideas for KS3 Teachers: Data, Numeracy and ICT
This book is part of a series of Instant Maths Ideas, the other volumes being “Number and Algebra”, and “Space and Shape”. It is a book which you can dip into from time to time rather than read through from beginning to end. Arranged by topic, the approach is mostly for oral or board presentation. Any equipment or preparation needed is clearly highlighted in the teacher pages at the beginning of each topic.
I particularly enjoyed the section on averages and range, although I have yet to try it out with a class. For me it threw a fresh slant on helping students understand the concepts thoroughly - not just on practising calculation techniques.
There are some good suggestions for probability experiments. The Numeracy section contains not only quick-fire starters but also ideas for integer investigations. The ICT tasks require only a spreadsheet and use of some basic formulae, and LOGO. The spreadsheets lead through from simple number sequences to comparing compound interest and exponential sequences. The LOGO section is somewhat short on detail, and I would have liked a few more pointers here. A useful appendix is a list of books and websites which the author recommends.
With only a little preparation these ideas can be incorporated or attached to a scheme of work to reinforce and vary the approach. I have already started on this, and look forward to giving my students more challenges to think about. It is a useful addition to your bookshelf.
Jane Foxon
Ballakermeen High School, Douglas IOM
Instant Maths Ideas for KS3 Teachers: Data, Numeracy and ICT
Colin Foster
Published by Nelson Thornes
85 pages
ISBN 0-7487-8670-8
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