Monday, 20 February 2017

The times tables hurdle

Times tables basic facts have always been a common hurdle for kids to get over. Not only do they have to understand the concept but they then have to go about the process of memorising them which can be painful and boring.

This year I have a maths class of 27 year 7/8 children. It is evident from conversations with the children and their IKAN test scores that there is a general lacking in times tables knowledge.  This is holding them back from learning and understanding more advanced mathematical concepts and strategies.

My CoL inquiry focus this year is: How can I significantly improve my kids mathematical knowledge using the Learn Create Share pedagogy? This term I will be inquiring into how I can develop the multiplication knowledge of my kids. My first step will be investigating how to get 'buy in' from the children. As mentioned above the process of learning times tables can be painful and boring, but what if it wasn't? What if it was fun and engaging and kids really wanted to learn them? Who knows what amazing shifts could be made in the children's maths progress this year. I'm looking forward to finding out.


Image courtesy of janjf93 pixabay

2 comments:

  1. Mr Wiseman, thank you for sharing your inquiry with us. I can't wait to see what fun and engaging ways you and your class come up to help them enjoy learning times tables. The idea of singing or putting music to the timetables sounds really cool and I'm sure the students will have a lot of fun doing that. well done

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  2. Hi Rob. Your inquiry topic is of interest to me as I am always looking to find better ways to engage and accelerate my learners in maths. I agree that the first step in implementing any intervention is getting your learners to 'buy in' to whatever you are doing. I notice in your later posts that you set up a playlist of multiplication songs. Do your learners use this as a reference and enjoy watching the clips? I have always wondered about the multiplication songs, and thought they might be a little to 'babyish' for our intermediate-aged students. I would be interested to hear whether your learners use and enjoy them.

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