Janine McIntosh is the Schools Manager at the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI).
During National Literacy and Numeracy Week, what advice do you have for Australia’s teachers looking to promote and celebrate mathematics education in their schools?
Making mathematics visible in the school is an exciting way to ensure students see its importance. Try doing maths in chalk on the playground surface, add maths activities to the school newsletter and to assembly, or host a family maths night. The more out there you are in the teaching of mathematics, the more the community sees that it is valued, and they will respond accordingly.
Tell us about AMSI and the projects and resources developed to support Australian mathematics education and improve the supply of mathematically well prepared students entering tertiary education.
AMSI’s Schools program delivers a range of initiatives that support mathematics education in schools including the development of resources for teachers of mathematics in primary and secondary schools, the provision of professional development, and the dissemination of careers information to promote of the importance of mathematics for career choices. To showcase the rich array of careers that mathematics can offer, we have a series of videos and careers resources. We are also about to embark on a program to entice more girls and young women into mathematics.
Can you recommend a video or learning resource that could be of support to Australia’s mathematics educators?
Maths Ad(d)s promotes and outlines mathematic skills across careers and industries. I also recommended teachers utilise Scootle to curate resources which are directly linked to the Australian Curriculum, and to create learning paths. Watch a video of Janine walking through the process of creating a learning path in Scootle.