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的MAGINE, there痴 that word again, one of my favourites.
Imagine a lesson in which you explained a concept from beginning to end logically, with a little flair, a few insightful comments and NO interruptions. No knock on the door, visit from the head teacher, collections for charity, reminders about the Sports Carnival, loud speaker announcements, giggles from the 2 boys at the back, pencils dropped, thrown, sharpened, pencil cases opened, closed, dropped, recovered, no absolutely urgent questions about the lunchtime activities for the junior school open day in 2 weeks time, no emergency gossip, visiting parents, late notes, toilet requests, injury reports; 全TOP・ she says, IF YOUR NOT ACTUALLY BLEEDING PROFUSELY NOW, then you値l just have to wait till I have finished speaking, type of interruptions. Imagine it, the power, the learning, the satisfaction.
The MathsPOWER folk have given a teacher this opportunity, and it is brilliant. The voice over teacher explains each Maths concept logically, in a consistent manner. The teacher asks questions to provoke thought and engage the listener. The voice is not patronizing, it is informative, it makes you feel as if you are being let in on Mathematics・little secrets・
Like any good teacher, the MathsPOWER teachers break problems down into smaller components and consistently solve problems using the same logical steps. The instructions are simple and clear and it seems as though the teacher is talking directly to you. The lessons work from the simple to the complex in logical steps, and with no interruptions, even algebra can seem easy.
So how does it all work?
・fter logging into the program the student watches and listens to a lesson. At the end of the lesson you print out an exercise sheet for the student to attempt a number of questions.
Once the questions are answered using good old pen and paper, the results are entered into the computer. Click OK, and the percentage achieved is displayed. YOU CAN HAVE A SECOND TRY if you have not achieved 90% or more. This is great, you really feel in charge, you have the power. Correct those few pesky little mistakes.
Once 90% is achieved you can progress to the next lesson.
The program keeps a record of your results and progress; you can also keep a written record ・There you have it, Bob痴 your uncle.
Slick, effective and NO interruptions.
The presentation is simple, it doesn稚 try and get too complex and uses predictable procedures. Headphones are an advantage; a non-interruptible clear concise explanation of mathematical concepts is a dream.
This program represents a new style of software. It provides a comprehensive program covering the mathematics syllabus ... It allows students to progress at their own speed and evaluate and control their own learning, to repeat lessons as many or as few times as they need.
Students who learn quickly are accommodated; students who learn slowly are accommodated.
By using the MathsPOWER programs the pressure is off the teacher to pitch a lesson to the whole class, basic mathematics can be learned individually by students at their own pace in their own time. Mini lessons can be given in an ordered logical manner without interruption・
This article appeared in the Virtual Teacher online newsletter.
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