Teaching Secondary Mathematics - Module 3: Narrowing the Achievement Gap - Focus on Fractions

This module focuses on reducing the disparity between student achievement in fractions by applying diagnostic assessments and targeted teaching.  This module has been developed from the examples provided from various resources found on the Mathematics Domain page:

• Mathematics Domain

This module features the Fractions and Decimals interview.

 

Key messages

Success in certain topics in the Number dimension (including fractions) is essential for continued progress in Mathematics. This module gives examples of diagnostic assessment and teaching which research has shown to be effective to improve student learning and to narrow the achievement gap.

The module contains examples from:

• Principles of Learning and Teaching P–12 relevant for this module
• Difficulties students experience with fractions
• Fractions and decimals on-line interview
• Mathematics Developmental Continuum P–10:
  • ‘Fractions as a number: 3.5’
  • The ‘Comparing fractions’ diagnostic test
  • ‘Multiples and fractions of fractions: 3.25’
• Online resources:
  • Digilearn
  • Scaffolding Numeracy in the Middle Years
  • Assessment for Common Misunderstandings

Download Module 3 workshop booklet and presentation

To use Module 3, first save the booklet and PowerPoint presentation to your computer.

Download:

• Module 3 booklet (PDF - 1,022Kb)
• Module 3 presentation (PPT - 4.6Mb)

 

Links to the Principles of Learning and Teaching P–12

Principle 1: The learning environment is supportive and productive where each student experiences success through structured support, the valuing of effort, and recognition of their work.

Principle 3:  Students' needs, backgrounds, perspectives and interests are reflected in the learning program where teachers use strategies that are flexible and responsive to the values, needs and interests of individual students.

Principle 5:  Assessment practices are an integral part of teaching and learning, where teachers use evidence from assessment to inform planning and teaching.

 

Additional materials relevant to this module

Handouts

• Developmental Overview of Proportional Reasoning and Multiplicative Thinking (PDF - 41Kb)
• Mathematics Developmental Continuum – Mapping the Indicators of Progress (PDF - 222Kb)
• Comparing Fractions Diagnostic Test (Word - 76Kb)

Optional

• Teachers may consider giving the ‘Comparing Fractions Diagnostic Test’ to their students prior to this session.
  Comparing Fractions Diagnostic Test worksheet (Word - 76Kb) 
• Siemon, D 2002 ‘Partitioning– the missing link in building fraction knowledge and confidence’ (PDF - 103Kb)