Report OL149 Smallworlds Report on learning mathematics

The Smallworlds Software represents an aspect of innovation at South Bank University in the way maths is learnt. The primary aim of the work at South Bank University has been to foster a deeper understanding of mathematics. Firstly by creating environments in which students feel confident to assume more responsibility for their learning, and secondly by challenging them to approach their work in an investigative way, going beyond the (sometimes) superficial level of a question to explore the concepts in depth. Developments started with the design of a mathematics elective for students (mainly mature women) undertaking a Primary BEd (Honours) Degree course.

The new emphasis of maths teaching is on investigation; on the discovery and exploration of mathematical concepts. Even primary school pupils are now encouraged to reflect on the learning process rather than simply look for the right answer. Smallworlds is a software package designed by South Bank University which reflects this new approach and is consistent with the priorities of the National Curriculum. The two primary aims of the project were: (1) to foster an investigative approach to maths; and (2) to familiarise students with computers in order to promote the use of Information Technology ( IT ) across the curriculum.

Smallworlds was designed for Bachelor of Education ( B.Ed. ) students who were studying maths as one of their special options and who were training to teach in primary schools. It was hoped that by learning the subject in an investigative way, the teachers would be encouraged to adopt this approach in their own classrooms.

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This page last updated 15 March 1999.