Maths Shack

In line with the new Matrix Learning style, we have decided to use the flipped classroom style for our Mathematics.  It is on our Learning Management System and looks something like the following:

Welcome to the Math's Shack

This year you will find doing Mathematics will be totally different. You will be required to complete a small quiz at home before we start doing each strand. On completion of your quiz, your results will determine where you need to go to complete your Maths lesson for that strand.
Each unit will start like this:
1. Complete the activityMaths in Genasses. This will be the icon that looks like . This is your pre learner and will tell us how much you know.

2. On completion of your test, you will go to the different rooms for your maths lesson in that strand. This is the Exodus phrase, and the icon will look like 

3. After your lesson, you will complete your Revelation. This is your post learner and will tell us if you have understood the concept. The icon will look like this 

Yet another part of our journey, this will take some setting up.  Parents and students will have to be educated on how it will work, if it is going to be effective. It will mean that students will be working at their true potential within in the streamed maths classes and hopefully we can fill any gaps they have in their understanding of mathematical concepts.

Matrix

Matrix Learning

Applying Constructivist Theory, Multiple Intelligences, and Bloom's Taxonomy

Benjamin Bloom’s taxonomy consists of six categories: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences has six components: linguistic, logical/mathematical, visual/spatial, bodily kinesthetic, music, interpersonal, and naturalistic.

Bloom’s taxonomy is sequential, while Gardner’s theory is one of concurrence. Taken together, these two concepts can be blended together to provide instructors to tailor class content to a very wide variety of learning types and abilities.

The significant characteristics of Bloom’s analysis, synthesis, and evaluation learning behaviors are outlined in the following table.

Characteristics of three selected categories from Bloom’s taxonomy of intellectual skills1
analysis		synthesis		evaluation
Separates material or concepts into component parts such that its organizational structure may be understood. Distinguishes between facts and inferences.		Builds a structure or pattern from diverse elements. Puts parts together to form a whole, with emphasis on creating a new meaning or structure.		Make judgments about the value of ideas or materials.

Julie Carwile argues² that constructivism, in conjunction with aspects of Gardner and Bloom’s multiple-intelligence work, is critical to student success in technology-enhanced learning environments. To permit students the most benefit from a constructivist teaching methodology, Carwile wrote that “Our personal perceptions of how knowledge is acquired ultimately guide our educational practice.”

http://www.zeraphoto.com/blog/applying-constructivist-theory-multiple-intelligences-and-blooms-taxonomy/

Tomorrow's School

http://vimeo.com/28425187

We have quite a journey to go on before we have it set up as well as what they have.  However, after speaking to them, they started in a similar place as what we are.  I am so excited to be a part of this journey....it is definitely 'Tomorrow's School"

Life Long Learners

The matrix system aims for students to feel like they have control of their learning, allowing them to explore using their intelligences.  This should encourage students to become life long learners, hopefully get them thinking deeper and at a higher level. It also helps them to gain time management and organisational skills, which should hold them in good stead for life.

This is such an exciting journey we are about to embark on... lots to do between now and beginning of school next year. Will keep you posted at how it all goes :)