Frequently Asked Questions
We hope you will find the answer to your question listed below. If you require further information please call or email.
General
How does Maths Mate fit with the Numeracy Project?
Maths Mate (MM) gives the opportunity for students to practice strategies and reinforces knowledge of numbers.
Maths Mate (MM) gives the opportunity for students to practice strategies and reinforces knowledge of numbers.
What if I haven't taught a concept?
Some suggested strategies include: Do MM in class for two or three weeks ensuring that every student understands what to do. Once they are invested and understand what to do then send it home as homework. Use Class Starters to bring MM into the classroom. Every week a look-a-like problem is covered in the Class Starters - this provides teachers with a teaching moment. A student can ask if he/she does not understand one of the questions. The teacher need not spend too much time as the students will be getting the same problem in their weekly Maths Mate homework and in the Class Starters and homework next week and every week after that.
Some suggested strategies include: Do MM in class for two or three weeks ensuring that every student understands what to do. Once they are invested and understand what to do then send it home as homework. Use Class Starters to bring MM into the classroom. Every week a look-a-like problem is covered in the Class Starters - this provides teachers with a teaching moment. A student can ask if he/she does not understand one of the questions. The teacher need not spend too much time as the students will be getting the same problem in their weekly Maths Mate homework and in the Class Starters and homework next week and every week after that.
How can I be sure if the students are not cheating?
Students must be given responsibility for their Maths Mate; they mark and track their own. If a student does not hand in homework it is not up to the teacher to chase it up. A test is given every 4 weeks which acts as a check on whether or not students have grasped the concept or skill. The teachers' workload is to mark and track tests.
Students must be given responsibility for their Maths Mate; they mark and track their own. If a student does not hand in homework it is not up to the teacher to chase it up. A test is given every 4 weeks which acts as a check on whether or not students have grasped the concept or skill. The teachers' workload is to mark and track tests.
Calculators? Should we use them or not?
The numbers crunch without calculators, however, it is up to individual teachers whether to use calculators. In the case of lower ability classes the goal may be to build confidence first, hence the decision may be made to allow calculators.
The numbers crunch without calculators, however, it is up to individual teachers whether to use calculators. In the case of lower ability classes the goal may be to build confidence first, hence the decision may be made to allow calculators.