Mathematics holiday programme a hit with families

Hundreds of Pacific learners and their families have been flocking to a ground-breaking mathematics holiday programme which will be implemented on a larger scale in 50 Auckland schools over the next four years.

The Developing Mathematical Communities of Inquiry (DMIC) summer holiday maths workshops recently held in West Auckland exceeded expected numbers with more than 200 Pacific learners turning up to take part. 

The impact and success of the DMIC initiative has been recognised by Government with a $7.2m investment which will introduce it into 25 schools this year and a further 25 schools next year. 

DMIC co-leaders Professor Roberta Hunter and Dr Jodie Hunter of Massey University, work with teachers to draw on Pacific cultural contexts like the making of tivaevae and ta’ovala, to develop challenging mathematics tasks.

Described as a culturally sustaining way of teaching and learning maths, the low floor, high ceiling approach starts with children using mathematical reasoning with small numbers so everyone can succeed; they then collaboratively problem solve with mathematical challenges that stretch all learners.

Learners discover it’s not about having a quick answer, it’s about justifying their thinking and being able to explain their thinking so others can follow. It is future-focused thinking, done together. Students learn that it’s OK to ask questions in class, to not know the answers and to be wrong.

Above all it’s a better way of teaching and of learning for everybody – it’s co-constructing together and raising the status of children so they see themselves as great mathematicians.

And while DMIC is focused on the whole mathematics curriculum, it integrates communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, resilience, perseverance and personal accountability.  

Because the competencies are so deliberatively taught in DMIC, it not only improves learners’ mathematics reasoning and achievement but results also show that it enhances wellbeing, helps learners build productive relationships, reduces bullying and strengthens students’ sense of belonging and identity.

Developing Mathematical Inquiry Communities(external link)

Last reviewed: 11 March 2020 Has this been useful? Give us your feedback