I Can Finally Think

Like a mathematician!

MProSE Presentation - Case Study:

Presented By: Grace Lee

- Under-achieving students of the Secondary Two cohort

- Typified by:“I don’t like math”“ I cannot do math”“I can never do a difficult problem”

Profile of ParticipantsBackground

- Problem(s) of the DayOpen-ended, contextual-based, unconventional in nature- Role of the teacher:a) Mentorb) Facilitator

Lesson StructureBackground

Lockers Problem Example of Problem of the Day:

The new school has exactly 343 lockers numbered 1 to 343 and exactly 343 students. On the first day of school, the students meet outside the building and agree on the following plan. The first student will enter the school and open all the lockers. The second student will then enter the school and close every locker with an even number. The third student will then ‘reverse’ every third locker; i.e. if the locker is closed, he will open it, and if the locker is open, he will close it. The fourth student will reverse every fourth locker, and so on until all 343 students in turn have entered the building and reversed the relevant lockers. Which lockers will finally remain open?

One student’s positive experience

Problem-solving is no longer based on a rigid formula. Instead, I am encouraged to think of alternative solutions – this has engaged me in learning Mathematics. In fact, the best part of MProSE was getting the hang of solving the problem after understanding what MProSE is all about!

MProSE has made me realize that ……it's much easier to try to understand the problem and then plan out the methods or strategies from what I understand, to solve the problem, rather than to memorize formulae and stick to the way it is usually used and performed in each problem sum, as that was what I have been doing to solve problems and I think, by doing so, it restricts me from thinking out of the box.

Old vs NewOld Behaviour New Behaviour“I don’t like math”

“ I cannot do math”

“I can never do a difficult problem”

•Eureka moment

•Heightened level of confidence

•Raised interest in Math

•Paid more attention in Math class

•More flexible in thinking

•Systematic approach towards Math problem solving

Looking Ahead

MProSE

Mathematical strategies & processes

Critical & Flexible thinking

Confidence; Habits of Mind

Competent Math

Problem Solver

Thank you