EDUCATION : learning mathematics in a different way Mathematics, old-fashioned ? Katell Tréguer, a teacher at Saint-Charles high school (Guipavas) got into a European project which can prove the contrary. Objective : offering new methods of learning. Interdisciplinarity is more fun ! Katell Tréguer has tested theatrical activities around the theme of equations with her 5th forms “Today, many consider mathematics as a difficult subject, boring, nay without interest deplores Katell Tréguer, a Math teacher at Saint-Charles High School in Guipavas. Years after years that subject is more and more neglected in the upper grades and especially at University. That’s why many teachers and searchers have had the idea to look for new suggestions for the primary school kids and high school students.” The so said project, on a European scale is called LE-MATH (learning mathematics through new communication factors) and has, as a main objective, to elaborate a new approach to the teaching of mathematics through activities linked with communication (drama, games, ….) A European project. Under the auspices of the Comenius Programme which enables exchanges and co-operations between schools in Europe, from nursery schools to high schools, LE-Math involves ten countries : “ Greece, Cyprus, The Czech Republic, Austria, Bulgaria, Romania, Sweden, Spain, Hungary, Belgium and France , our school being the only representative of the country explains Katell Tréguer. Saint-Charles is in charge of the coordination of the theatre part in this project. As for me, I am the leader of this group work.” “LE-MATH” should give birth, in the next two years, to a guide book in two parts : one for the 9-13 year-olds and one for the 14-18 year-olds. In the next months a script contest for theatre plays with a mathematic theme will be opened to all (closure on August 30th). A contest of presentations of a math theme by a student (from 9 to 18) in the manner of the programme X-factor will also be launched soon. The theatre of the equation But for now the teachers are testing some exercises under the shape of workshops. Katell Tréguer tries, from time to time, to integrate in her lessons a teaching of calculus in a drama way , with little scenes. “ We are learning equations with the 5th forms says the teacher. The kids embody either numbers, or the unknown value “X” and have to stand on each side of the equal sign (a chair !). They then move according to very precise rules in order to solve the equation. Until now, it has been working pretty well.” The pupils, very enthusiastic, approved. “We understand better when it is presented as a game”, exclaimed Lorette and Coline from 5è C. We prefer working together rather than doing exercises on our own.” Mixing many subjects. Katell Tréguer and the other members of the LE-MATH project are aware that many pupils, whatever their school level, are far from being fond of mathematics. Thus, the goal of the project revolves around interdisciplinarity. Together with the Noble subject of numbers, come artistic activities and literature, not to forget languages : the project translated in nine languages will also be presented in English. To reassure the most recalcitrant pupils.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:28:22 +0000
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