Week 2: Proficiencies

Introduction to Week 2

For an introduction to this week, watch the following video.

Weekly learning objectives

By the end of this week, you will be able to:

  • synthesise how the four proficiencies are infused across the resources and can be incorporated into approaches to teaching numeracy
  • critically review the four proficiencies
  • identify numeracy teaching opportunities using the four proficiencies
  • develop teaching resources that embed the four proficiencies in an educational setting you are familiar
  • consider the application of the four proficiencies from multiple perspectives.

Activity: The problem—Teaching Numeracy with the Proficiencies

Purpose

The four proficiencies of understanding, fluency, problem-solving, and reasoning underpin how students learn and use mathematical concepts. Yet, effectively incorporating the proficiencies into numeracy teaching is a challenge for many teachers. This activity will help you identify opportunities for incorporating the proficiencies into numeracy teaching.

Task

  1. Consider the following scenario:
    • Ana claimed, “Fluency means you can automatically perform calculations, such as, recalling your times tables and knowing your tens facts”. Kofi, responded, “While being fluent does mean you perform calculations efficiently, there is much more to fluency than automatic recall. To be fluent you have a range of strategies at your fingertips and you choose the appropriate methods and approximations for calculations.”.
  2. Visit Developing number sense and watch (below) the video 'Nick (aged 12) estimate 9 x 293'.
  3. Based on Nick's explanation, do you agree or disagree with Ana, or Kofi? Why/why not?

Complete the activity in your reflective journal.