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INNOVATION CURRICULUM AND CHANGE

Mathematics is the glue, the substance that holds together the fabric of our culture and our society. It is therefore not particularly

surprising to find that Mathematics is more important today then it was at any previous time in the past. Mathematics, the learning of Mathematics and the teaching of Mathematics require a considerable long term commitment from all concerned. Unlike sport or computer games which are often fun to play, Mathematics needs to be well sequenced and quite rigorous thus leaving less opportunity for the "fun" side of the activity; unless, like myself, inquiry and problem solving are most intrinsically fascinating and engaging activities.


The average teaching career length is presently only about 5 years (what an annoying and unnecessary statistic, what a waste of young teaching talent) when quite frankly my 45 year career (in the classroom) has not diminished my enthusiasm for the job and the students I serve. We need the correct placement of teachers, since no-one leaves a job that they love and being paid to do what you love is such an easy thing. Students are unhappy, teachers feel burdened and administrators feel the stress from middle management through to the top.

HERE IS MY WORD EQUATION FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING:

CORRECT PROGRAMMES AND TIMING + CORRECT STRATEGIES + AN EFFECTIVE EFFORT = HAPPINESS + AN IMPROVING PERFORMANCE

Yes, a major outcome is happiness! I've seen students "unhappy" when they've received 99% or 100%. The "END PRODUCT" was not justified by the "means employed". Of course, teachers and students who don't do so well will logically be unhappy (in large numbers) to some degree and this is true of the entire student and staff body within any education system. If you wish to make a beautiful cake you put the correct proportions into the mixture at the correct times and bake appropriately. Education has all of the necessary elements (products) for success and happiness, we just need to DELIVER these in an improved manner and over a more thoughtful and encouraging timeline.

LOW ABILITY MATHEMATICS STUDENTS:

In my area of expertise (Mathematics) I am convinced that time spent on arithmetic knowledge and basic skills need a far greater proportion of the mathematics week. Anything that can be done with algebra can be achieved with arithmetic. Principals, deputies and heads of department are invited to inquire; to see if I can suggest improvements for their low ability students.

SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS STUDENTS:

Within the Western Australian Mathematics curricula there is a wide variety of material from the mere essentials to specialist studies at considerable depth. Principals, deputies and heads of department are invited to inquire; to see if I can suggest improvements for their high ability students. 

TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS CAN BE IMPROVED!! PROGRAMMES FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS CAN BE IMPROVED!!


MY SERVICES OFFERED TO THE EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY:

1. Mathematics and Science teaching and tutoring. Including advice to students and the parent body.


2. Advice to schools and administrators on how to improve your school. Simple, low cost and highly effective improvements for the

betterment of your students. 

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