Tag: Student engagement

Picture of student pondering mathematics

When Answers Are Instant, Thinking Matters More

Written by Chris Hogbin on . Posted in Learn & Develop.

I once watched a student forget the formula for the area of a trapezoid. That could have been the end of the problem. They did not have the formula, so they did not have the answer. But instead of stopping, they began to rebuild the shape. They split it into pieces they understood — a rectangle, a triangle on one side, another triangle on the other — and used the areas they did know to work out the area they had forgotten. It was slower than remembering the formula, but far more interesting. That moment has stayed with me because it captures something important about mathematics....

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Thinking, Big and Small: Why We Need Both in the Mathematics Classroom

Written by Chris Hogbin on . Posted in Guest Blog, Learn & Develop.

By James, Creator of Sembl In order for us humans to learn, we need to think. That part’s obvious. But here’s the kicker: have you ever considered what kind of thinking is actually happening in your classroom? Is it expansive and open-ended? Or narrow and precise? Let’s take a look at both ends of the spectrum—and why the sweet spot is having both. The Familiar Question Here’s a maths problem you’ve likely seen before: A gardener plants 24 flowers into 6 equal rows. How many flowers are in each row? Classic, right? Students calculate that 24 ÷ 6 = 4. One correct...

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‘Math’ is a doing word. Not a worksheet.

Written by Chris Hogbin on . Posted in Learn & Develop.

Ask a student what comes to mind when they hear the word “math” and you’ll likely hear answers like “numbers,” “times tables,” “tests,” or “homework.” For some, the associations are even more loaded: “stress,” “boring,” “confusing,” or “hard.” But how often do you hear a student say maths is about doing, thinking, talking, moving, or even playing? In many classrooms, mathematics is still treated like a static subject — something you either get or don’t, something to sit and receive. A set of rules to memorise. A list of procedures to follow. A test to pass. But here’s the truth: mathematics...

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Effective math practice, and how to encourage it in your class.

Written by Chris Hogbin on . Posted in Learn & Develop.

In a traditional math classroom, students often work quietly through worksheets. They solve equations by memorization and repetition. While math is an essential part of the curriculum, this type of practice doesn’t always foster a deep understanding of the subject. Instead, it can lead to disengagement and frustration. The practice phase in particular, where students consolidate their skills, is crucial. If this phase isn’t engaging or meaningful, it can hinder learning. The question is: how can we make this phase more effective and enjoyable? The Disconnect: Why Math Feels Irrelevant A...

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Let’s Play: Revolutionizing math(s) learning through play

Written by Chris Hogbin on . Posted in Learn & Develop.

Playful learning revolutionizes math(s) education: Read about the benefits of incorporating play in developing problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity We’ve all been there – staring at a page full of numbers, feeling like our brains are about to explode. But what if we told you that there’s a way to learn math(s) that’s actually fun? A way that involves play and exploration, rather than rote memorisation and timed tests. ‘Staring at a page full of numbers, feeling like our brains are about to explode First, let’s talk about why play is...

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