Jasmine's Maths Learning Story

Learner: Jasmine    Learning Coach:  Tracey Dillner          Date: 16.3.15

Learning Area: Mathematics

Learning Observed

Last week, Jasmine began a task for Mathematics that required her to find the missing numbers from an array using only a few provided numbers using her knowledge of addition and subtraction (similar to the way a magic number square or sudoku might be filled). When she received this task, Jasmine had a go and succeeded with the simpler arrays. Today she had an opportunity during Maths to finish these. Jasmine attempted the more complex array on her own, after checking if the ones she did last week were correct. She had completed over half of this one correctly, but struggled to understand where she had gone wrong and how to retrace her steps. Jasmine was able to watch me demonstrate the strategy once to a group of learners on the big screen and then once more individually on a small whiteboard. After we had worked together on this, Jasmine had a moment of excitement when she realised what she would need to do next to be successful. Jasmine was able to complete the task quickly and then go on to help and assist other learners to share in her success. I was impressed at Jasmine’s determination to complete this task and although it was difficult at first, she persevered and now has knowledge that she can draw on in the future. I wonder how Jasmine practises her basic facts at home?

Evidence of learning

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Jasmine’s desire to succeed was to her credit. She clearly felt some frustration, but would not give up in the face of difficulty. Jasmine managed this stress and ended up finding a solution to the problem (Managing Self). Jasmine did struggle to understand what the question was asking her at first, but she discussed this with me and with others learners, which led to a correct answer (Relating to Others). I believe that if Jasmine was faced with a similar problem using Addition - or perhaps even Multiplication - she would be able to use this experience to come to solve it (Thinking).

Next Learning Steps

Visit problems like the one pictured above on a fairly regular basis to keep this new learning fresh. Write her own version for people around her to solve e.g. parents or friends. Make a learning video on her iPad to help others who might be stuck on problems similar to this one.