Regents Review Winter 22-23

The Regents Review Winter 2022

Mathematics DEPARTMENTAL NEWS Problem Solving in Maths This year in maths, students are taking part in weekly or fortnightly problem-solving lessons. These lessons provide the opportunity to critically think about the different methods they could use to find the solution. Students are given much more thinking time and work together in order to discover the possible answers, and it has been fantastic to see it raise the confidence of our students, as well as building their resilience. Problem solving skills are

Maths Mastery Our maths department is focussing on the Shanghai Mastery method of teaching mathematics. Part of the mastery approach is to develop a deeper understanding of mathematics through designing purposeful questions that bring mathematical discussions and problem-solving skills. We are currently looking at how to adapt maths questions to bring the most we possibly can out of them. Attending a recent maths mastery conference gave us ideas on how to do this. Examples are below. 1. Removing information to enhance discussion Find the Perimeter of the hexagon Before After

transferable to other subjects and real-life situations so the benefits are invaluable. Here is an example of a problem-solving question, can you solve it?

2. Replacing information to create more open ended questions Before After If b=3a find a and b If b=3a find a, b and c

Can you solve the ‘Four Fours’ Puzzle? Make each of the following equations true. You may use any mathematical symbols, but you cannot use any additional numbers.

3. Adding information to prompt more mathematical thinking

4444 = 0 4444 = 1 4444 = 2 4444 = 3 4444 = 4 4444 = 5 4444 = 6 4444 = 7 4444 = 8

Before

After

Jamie is 12 years old, his sister Lisa is 3 years old. How many times older is Jamie than his sister?

Jamie is 12 years old, his sister Lisa is 3 years old. How many times older is Jamie than his sister? Will he ever be twice as old as his sister? Will he ever be three times as old?

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