MATHS TEST CAN BE FUN!

http://www.ljudmila.org/ostrnovo/eschola/math1.htm

Computers and maths software can be used as an excellent way of motivation and learning tool for teaching Maths in classes with younger children.

Some of the goals of using the computer in lessons for 8 year old pupils are the following:

·   making lessons more interesting

·   revising the basic mathematical operations

·   solving textual excercises

·   developing logical thinking

·   instant self evaluation of pupil's knowledge

·   teacher's evaluation of pupil's work

·   developing work in pairs

·   developing computer skills

·   using a computer as a learning tool and not only as toy

Some of the benefits of such lessons are:

·   Pupils can solve examples of different difficulty level following their  knowledge and abilities. They are not bored.

·   Pupils get information about correct results instantly. They can correct themselves and follow the improvement of their maths skills.

·   Because of the software structure they develop self discipline and persistence in solving problems.

·   Pupils like Maths more than before; they practise basic maths operations by playing, without forcing.

·   Pupils become familiar with computer technology and using different software.

·   Listening to instructions before and during the work is a good excercise in improving listening and understanding.

·   Working in pairs develops social skills, tolerance and patience.

DESCRIPTION OF A MATH LESSON AS AN EXAMPLE IN THE COMPUTER ROOM

The lesson theme: multiplication and division

The lesson purposes: training maths skills and knowledge testing

The lesson goals:

· practising multiplication and division

·   self evaluation and evaluation done by teacher

·   instant self evaluation of pupil's knowledge

The teaching methods: explanation, demonstration

The pupils working methods: individual work, work in pairs

The lesson steps:

·   introduction: the teacher gives instructions; pupils group in pairs, follow the teacher's instructions, open MARA software (PIKA programme)

· practising: pupils make some excercises in multiplication and division in order to prepare themselves for testing; they work in pairs

·   testing: one member of a pair starts to solve excercises when teacher says: start!; the software counts the correct answers and measures time; the other member controlls him/her; when teacher says stop the pupils end doing the activity. Teacher then controls the results and the pupils write them down; pairs change their roles and they repeaat the activity the other member of a pair;

·   evaluation: pupils report about their results and compare the results among them; they find out where they have problems and how to solve them; they evaluate the work in pairs. Teacher gives comments about their results and work and gives advice for the future work;

·   relaxation: the pupils play Memory game