SMART Targets & Reflections

SMART goal 1: Rationale for choice: To be able to recall random multiplication facts (up to 12 times tables) accurately and instantaneously. I have found that I am slow to recall multiplication facts. This means that I spend valuable time on simple calculations when I should be focusing on using higher order thinking strategies for problem solving (Westwood, 2003). I would like to work on this as having a sound recall of these facts will allow me to not only complete maths problems faster and confidently, but also allow me to effectively teach these skills to children. In Year 4, the Australian Curriculum suggests that students be taught to Recall multiplication facts up to 10 10 and related division facts (ACMNA075) (ACARA, n.d.). Achieving my goal to aid problem solving skills will also assist me to guide children to do the same as evidenced in Outcome 4 of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF): apply a wide variety of thinking strategies to engage with situations and solve problems, and adapt these strategies to new situations (DEEWR, 2009, p.35).

Activity related to achieving goal I will print out a multiplication table and use this to implement my strategies for achieving my goal

Strategies to achieve goal Make flash cards for multiplication tables and practice in quiet moments Play online multiplication table games and quizzes such as: http://www.mathsisfun.com/timestable.html http://www.mathsonline.com.au/games/times_ta bles Get husband to randomly ask me questions.

People responsible Myself and my husband

Measures I will get my husband to randomly call out multiplication table questions and I will need to respond accurately and with no significant delays.

Timeframe Before I start Mathematics In Practice in TP2 2014

SMART goal 2: Rationale for choice:

To be able to perform long division problems manually I struggled with long division as a child and have avoided having to use it by using a calculator. However, I think it is important to be able to solve problems in a variety of ways, especially if I will be teaching these skills to children. The Australian Curriculum suggests that Year 6 students be able to select and apply efficient mental and written strategies and appropriate digital technologies to solve problems involving all four operations with whole numbers (ACMNA123) (ACARA, n.d.). My determination to take on this challenge is a disposition for learning that is crucial for the development of a numerate identity (DEETYA, 1997). Modelling dispositions for learning is outlined in Outcome 4 of the EYLF: Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, condence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reexivity (DEEWR, 2009, p.34).

Activity related to achieving goal As I have forgotten how to do long division I will need to relearn it, which will involve doing online lessons.

Strategies to achieve goal Access online tutorials and practice questions such as: http://coolmath4kids.com/longdivision/index.html and http://www.mathsisfun.com/long_division. html If having problems call SLOs for some guidance on how I could develop these skills

People responsible Me and possibly SLOs if I need further assistance

Measures To be able to answer a set of long division problems accurately without a calculator.

Timeframe Before I start Maths in Practice in TP2 2014.

SMART goal 3: Rationale for choice:

To be able to multiply and divide decimals without a calculator After getting a division problem involving decimals wrong on the hurdle test I decided Id like to revise the processes involved with multiplying and dividing decimals manually. The resulting confidence with solving these problems will assist me to teach these skills to students as outlined in the Year 6 Australian Curriculum: Multiply decimals by whole numbers and perform divisions by non-zero whole numbers where the results are terminating decimals, with and without digital technologies (ACMNA129) (ACARA, n.d.). Working with decimals is crucial to the development of numeracy as they are so commonplace in our daily lives: weights, heights, petrol prices, money etc. (Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute, n.d.). Broadening my repertoire of mathematical processes will also assist me to be able to introduce appropriate tools, technologies and media and provide the skills, knowledge and techniques to enhance childrens learning (DEEWR, 2009, p.37).

Activity related to achieving goal I need to revise the processes required to complete these problems and practice them to gain confidence.

Strategies to achieve goal Read through and watch online tutorials such as: http://www.mathsisfun.com/dividing-decimals.html and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRIP45Z0MPc Complete practice questions such as those on this website: http://www.amsi.org.au/ESA_middle_years/Year6/ Year6_md/Year6_1c.html#stucontest

People responsible Myself

Measures Being able to complete a set of 15 problems accurately without the use of a calculator

Timeframe Before I start Maths in Practice in TP2 2014.