big day out & maths camp
DESCRIPTION
Make it Count Healesville ClusterTRANSCRIPT
Make It Count: Connecting Mathematics with Aboriginal CultureBrad Jarro Kate Naughtin Dr. Chris Matthews
Rationale
Effective teaching of mathematics ensures that students are able to connect, be engaged and build on what students know from their experiences (Sullivan, 2011)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students need opportunities to see where their Aboriginality and mathematics come together (Matthews & Morris, 2011)
The mathematics curriculum should build on aspects of traditional culture and utilize contexts (Stanton, 1994)
Implementation
In 2010, the Nerang Cluster held a culture and mathematics camp to build and connect both maths and Cultural Identity in Indigenous students. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, leaders and other role models (Dr Chris Matthews) played a significant role in the camp.
In 2012, with the support of Chris Matthews and the work of the Nerang cluster, the Healesville Cluster ran a Big Day Out at Worawa Aboriginal College where students participated in a day to integrate cultural activities and mathematics.
The Context – Nerang Cluster
• 4 schools from the Gold Coast (Nerang) and 1 from Ipswich (west of Brisbane)
• Schools invovled are;• William Duncan State School• Nerang State Primary School• Gilston State Primary School• St Peter Claver College• Nerang State High School
• Each school has different numbers of Indigenous students – St Peter Claver College has 60 out of 1000 who identify as either Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• Mixed socio-economic areas
Nerang Cluster
Project in Review:
Major events included;
2009 – Cultural Awareness Training for all staff in each school and some staff trained in First Steps Mathematics
2010 – Maths and Culture Camp at Gold Coast
2011 – Maths day at the Gold Coast Titans Centre of Excellence
2012 – PD Conference for all Maths Teachers at the Gold Coast which included keynote speakers, workshops and social activities for staff
Nerang Cluster – Maths and Culture Camp
3 Day Camp which involved students from all schools within the Cluster from Years 3 to 9
Elders, Role Models, Community Members and School Staff all involved in the Camp
Mixture of Cultural, Maths and Outdoor Activities Cultural and Maths activities included; Dance / Algebra Activity – Gunyah making – measurement and angles Maths trail at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – Various Cultural Activities – yarning with Elders, Art,
Boomerang throwing, Didge playing
Nerang Camp – Maths and Culture Camp
Preparation for the camp was quite involved
Our Cluster employed the services of a Community Liaison worker who organised most of the camp.
It involved numerous meetings with staff from each school
Consultation with Elders, Chris and other community members
The Context - Healesville
60km North-East of Melbourne
Population 7,000
10% Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
Two primary schools: Badger Creek and Healesville
Two high schools: Healesville High School, Worawa Aboriginal College
Local Employment is sourced from: Sawmilling, tourism and viticulture
Mixed socio-economic area
Make It Count - Healesville Cluster
Project in review:
Maths PL for teachers
Cultural awareness training at Monash University and Worawa Aboriginal College
Funding for maths resources, intervention programs such as GRIN and QuickSmart Numeracy
Big Day Out excursion
Teacher reflection PL
Big Day Out - Goals
To engage students in a day of cultural activities and maths
To give students an opportunity to explore mathematics and its relationship to cultural activities
Professional Learning for teachers to see in action new ways in context
To bring local elders, members of the community, teachers and students together, building on those relationships
The Big Day Out - Organisation
60 students rotated in groups of 15 accompanied by 3-4 teachers
Each activity ran for 40 minutes
Students completed an evaluation form at the end of the day, will have a day of reflection late October
Two local elders and another local Aboriginal community member were involved on the day
All instructors were supported by a teacher
Big Day Out - Preparation
Cultural awareness training
Maths Professional Development on Context-based learning
Meeting with local elders
Devising activities with Chris Matthews, local elders and staff at Worawa college
Next steps: Teacher’s will participate in a reflection day to record significant episodes from the day out
Big Day Out – ActivitiesMaths in nature using iPADs
Big Day Out – Activities Maths in basket weaving and building a humpy
Big Day Out – ActivitiesMaths in art
Big Day Out – ActivitiesMaths in sport
Big Day Out - Reflection
One teacher commented that it was the first time all year that one of her students had completed a task: “I was thrilled to see (student) completing all the day’s activities. He is a shy student who lacks confidence in class discussions but at the Big Day Out he went and introduced himself to other Aboriginal people and had a huge smile on his face all day.”