scoil mochua school self evaluation
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What is School Self Evaluation?
School Self Evaluation (SSE) is an ongoing process in Scoil Mochua. We are continually striving to improve our practices so that our pupils have the best possible educational experience while they are in primary school. Every few years, as a staff, we identify a focus for our school self-evaluation, and we spend several years on this area until the improvements are embedded in our practice and the benefits are evident for our pupils. What curricular area is Scoil Mochua working on at the moment? We are currently working on two areas under the structure of SSE:
What stage is Scoil Mochua at in SSE? School Self Evaluation is a six step process, as outlined in the image to the right. We are at the "monitor actions and evaluate impact" stage with problem-solving in maths. We are at the "write and share report and improvement plan" stage with well-being. More information to follow as we move through the SSE process in well-being. |
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sse in well-being
sse in Maths
school improvement plan
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Why did we choose to focus on problem-solving?
We chose the area of problem-solving in maths based on evidence. Our test scores in this area were lowers than in others areas of maths, and teachers, students and parents alike reported a lack of confidence in the children when faced with problem-solving. Further investigation revealed a lack of enthusiasm for "problem-solving". |
What exactly are we focusing on within the area of problem-solving?
Our focus is specifically on the following:
Learner Outcome -
To increase children’s sense of well-being while engaging in problem-solving
Learner Experience -
To create a Learning environment during Problem-solving, where pupils are willing to risk incorrect responses and understand the value of making mistakes, using them as learning opportunities.
Our focus is specifically on the following:
Learner Outcome -
To increase children’s sense of well-being while engaging in problem-solving
Learner Experience -
To create a Learning environment during Problem-solving, where pupils are willing to risk incorrect responses and understand the value of making mistakes, using them as learning opportunities.
What approach should I take when supporting my child at home in problem-solving?
Here are some key messages we would like to share with you which are an integral part of our approach to teaching problem-solving. You can support your child by adopting a similar approach at home.
Here are some key messages we would like to share with you which are an integral part of our approach to teaching problem-solving. You can support your child by adopting a similar approach at home.
- Getting started is half the battle. Encourage your child to draw a picture to represent the problem, underline key figures and phrases, try something with the numbers.
- Don't be afraid to use basic methods to solve a problem (i.e. adding up lots of times instead of multiplying, counting up in lots of small jumps to arrive at a bigger number in subtraction) if that's what your child is comfortable with. Alternatively, use a calculator. Remember that the focus in problem-solving is on the process, not the mental calculations.
- Problem solving teaches skills of logical thinking and perseverance and encourages creativity.
- Building confidence is key. Every effort is encouraged and praised, while guiding children in the right direction.
- Encourage a sense of curiosity with phrases such as "I wonder what would happen if..."; "You could try it this way ..." "If you changed this to this, I wonder what would happen...".
- There are usually many ways to solve a problem, so encourage your child to jump in and give it a go. Don’t get hung up on how teacher does it.
- Mistakes are ok- it is how we learn.
- Encourage your child to give explanations as this demonstrates understanding.
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Advice from Seán Delaney, PhD
Seán Delaney is a senior lecturer in Coláiste Mhuire Marino, in Dublin, with leadership responsibilities in the areas of teaching, learning and research. He has been lecturing in mathematics and mathematics education in Marino since 1999. He has some very useful advice on how to support and encourage children with maths. |
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1.Promote a positive attitude to maths
Often you hear “educated” people making remarks like “Oh, I was never any good at maths myself in school.” Such comments give the false impression that maths is something you’re either good at or you’re not. Parents are in a good position to let their children know that solving maths problems can be satisfying, that anyone can be good at maths, that knowledge of maths is helpful in life generally, and that it opens up doors to some exciting career options.
2. Look at tables differently
Every child does not need to be able to rhyme off the number facts in tables form, as in 7 x 0 = 0, 7 x 1 = 7, 7 x 2 = 14, etc. Learning tables in this way works well for some children, and that’s fine. But there are limitations to this approach. For some children learning off such facts is next to impossible. Using other strategies such as learning to count in groups eg. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 can be more easily learned and can be used for both multiplication and division.
3. Ask your child to teach you maths
If a teacher encourages children to use one approach to doing a maths calculation, such as subtraction, for example in school, and a parent encourages the child to use a different approach at home, the child may get confused between both approaches. As a parent, instead of showing or telling your child how to subtract the way you learned to do it, a better approach would be to say to the child “teach me the way you’re learning subtraction etc.” in school. If the child even tries to teach you something, she/he will learn from that. If you don’t understand part of the approach, tell the child that and ask for more clarification. If the two of you are stuck at the end of homework time, encourage your child to ask a question in school.
4. Encourage your child to be independent in maths
Very often children wait for an adult – parent or teacher – to tell them that a solution to a problem is correct or incorrect. It’s better for the child if they can be confident in their own solution. Therefore, if your child asks if a question is right or wrong, a response might be, “give a reason why you think it’s right” or “how can you be sure that it’s right?”
Often you hear “educated” people making remarks like “Oh, I was never any good at maths myself in school.” Such comments give the false impression that maths is something you’re either good at or you’re not. Parents are in a good position to let their children know that solving maths problems can be satisfying, that anyone can be good at maths, that knowledge of maths is helpful in life generally, and that it opens up doors to some exciting career options.
2. Look at tables differently
Every child does not need to be able to rhyme off the number facts in tables form, as in 7 x 0 = 0, 7 x 1 = 7, 7 x 2 = 14, etc. Learning tables in this way works well for some children, and that’s fine. But there are limitations to this approach. For some children learning off such facts is next to impossible. Using other strategies such as learning to count in groups eg. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 can be more easily learned and can be used for both multiplication and division.
3. Ask your child to teach you maths
If a teacher encourages children to use one approach to doing a maths calculation, such as subtraction, for example in school, and a parent encourages the child to use a different approach at home, the child may get confused between both approaches. As a parent, instead of showing or telling your child how to subtract the way you learned to do it, a better approach would be to say to the child “teach me the way you’re learning subtraction etc.” in school. If the child even tries to teach you something, she/he will learn from that. If you don’t understand part of the approach, tell the child that and ask for more clarification. If the two of you are stuck at the end of homework time, encourage your child to ask a question in school.
4. Encourage your child to be independent in maths
Very often children wait for an adult – parent or teacher – to tell them that a solution to a problem is correct or incorrect. It’s better for the child if they can be confident in their own solution. Therefore, if your child asks if a question is right or wrong, a response might be, “give a reason why you think it’s right” or “how can you be sure that it’s right?”
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5. Use maths with your child in daily life
There are several opportunities for children to practise maths every day. In the supermarket, compare the prices of multi-packs of fruit to decide which pack offers the best value. Give children the opportunity to handle money and receive change. Give the child some pocket money and encourage him/her to budget how the money will be spent. When going on a journey, note the distance and the speed and estimate how long is left on a journey. The numbers 10 and 100 are important in our number system. Name a number and ask your child what you would have to add to it to make 10 or 100. Similarly, ask what you would have to take from 10 or 100 to give you 7 or 76. At home, keep a record of rainfall, temperature, children’s height, weight, etc. over time and record the information on a graph. |
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6.Play games that encourage mathematical thinking
Snakes and Ladders, card games, Sudoku, chess, jenga, the list is endless. Games provide opportunities for children to express their mathematical thinking in a fun environment whilst enjoying social interaction.
7. Challenge a high-achieving child
Provide opportunities for children who are interested to explore mathematics independently. Some children enjoy learning maths and constantly seek additional challenges. Technology has made it easier for adults to provide such challenges. There are some useful link below with lots of opportunities for problem-solving.
Keep in mind!
‘And I try to be careful in what I celebrate, downplaying the importance of an answer and placing the emphasis on the process of the thinking.’ – Gareth Metcalfe
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If you want to read more,there is some useful information in the links below. |
https://ncca.ie/en/primary/resources-for-parents/
https://ncca.ie/media/4893/junior-infants-maths-tip-sheet-for-parents.pdf
https://ncca.ie/media/4082/helping_your_child_in_fifth_and_sixth_classes.pdf
https://www.cgimath-tlc.org/blog/2020/3/20/doing-math-with-your-child-promoting-problem-solving-suggestions-for-parents-by-linda-levi
https://hvparent.com/build-problem-solving-skills
https://www.kumon.co.uk/blog/tips-for-parents-doing-maths-with-their-children/