Using “Algedisc” in lower secondary math class
6
Efforts to level up numeracy skills of low progress learners is always a concern of mine. In order to address the learning gaps and motivate students, I tried a variety of intervention strategies. One of these strategies is the use of manipulatives such as “Algedisc”. I am happy to see students engaged in doing the questions with the help of the manipulatives and getting the correct answers.
The “Algedisc” is a set of cards that helps students to visualize algebra concepts. For my secondary one normal academic class, with majority of students doing foundation math in primary school, I recognize the importance of having hands-on and visual aids in order to make mathematics easy to understand instead of just writing on the board.
This group of students have different learning needs and they do not like a lot of writing with pen and paper. For a start, I decided to use the “Algedisc” to solve problems relating to positive and negative integers. Typical questions like 3 – 5 or – 3 – 5 etc, how can they use the “Algedisc” to find the correct answers without pressing calculators and to understand the basic mathematical concept. The lesson was engaging and students were more interested in the topic, some even wanted to do more. Moving forward, “Algedisc” will also be used for students to visualize the difference between variables and numbers when they embark on the journey of algebra.
PEIRCE SECONDARY SCHOOL
The “Algedisc” is a set of cards that helps students to visualize algebra concepts. For my secondary one normal academic class, with majority of students doing foundation math in primary school, I recognize the importance of having hands-on and visual aids in order to make mathematics easy to understand instead of just writing on the board.
This group of students have different learning needs and they do not like a lot of writing with pen and paper. For a start, I decided to use the “Algedisc” to solve problems relating to positive and negative integers. Typical questions like 3 – 5 or – 3 – 5 etc, how can they use the “Algedisc” to find the correct answers without pressing calculators and to understand the basic mathematical concept. The lesson was engaging and students were more interested in the topic, some even wanted to do more. Moving forward, “Algedisc” will also be used for students to visualize the difference between variables and numbers when they embark on the journey of algebra.
INNOVATION COMMITTEE
MDM LOH HWEE HWA - MS HONG WEE FUI - MS LI YING - MR MOHAMMAD ZABID
Ms Nai Chheu Yee
Senior Teacher (Math)