We have had great discussions lately in my Early Level 3 maths workshop group around proper, improper and mixed numbers. Within this group it is mixed ability and seems to be fluid in regards to what we are covering.
Last week Bjorn had worked backwards to figure out how to change mixed numbers to improper fractions. Today he shared his '3 step process' with the rest of the group. His instructions were really simple and clear.
A couple of students had been away for a week and it was heartening today to see the rest of the group work through some equations with those who had been away. They took their time in explaining, used wait time to let the newbies work it out for themselves, prompted when they could see incorrect working out. I really just sat back and observed.
The success that these students felt was shown all over their faces - for both the 'teacher' and the learner.
It is wonderful to now hear learners who have previously said that they "don't like maths", "I'm not good at maths" say they "love maths"! As a workshop group, we are taking our time, using repetition and getting much talk happening around the table. Learners feel safe to take risks knowing that everyone in the group is there to help them. Brilliant!
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