Harris Academy
Harris Academy in Dundee was founded in 1885, and now has around 1150 pupils.
David Martin, principal teacher of maths, discusses the problem solving programme
At Harris Academy the emphasis in problem solving is on investigation and on promoting discussion between pupils and between pupils and teacher. Strategies are developed as a result of the investigations. The Cognitive Acceleration in Mathematics Education (CAME) programme has been particularly useful in providing some structure for problem solving work.
Typically a CAME lesson begins with an introduction to the problem by the teacher, followed by pupil-pupil discussion about the problem. At the end of the lesson the pupils present their results to the class. David sees the CAME materials as helpful in developing formative assessment in the maths department.
David thinks that problem solving programmes in primary schools have a huge benefit in terms of pupils developing initiative and perseverance and learning to work collaboratively. It is important for secondary schools to build on this.
| David Martin discusses the problem solving programme | |
|---|---|
| Description | David Martin discusses the problem solving programme |
| Duration | 2 minutes 25 seconds |
| Windows version |  Windows Media video: David Martin discusses the problem solving programme |
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| Transcript | David Martin discusses the problem solving programme |