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A better approach to learning maths?
The Northern Grid for Learning investigates Maths-Whizz, the ERA Award-Winning Programme that is being adopted by increasing numbers of primary and secondary schools across the UK. As part of a wider Innovation in Education study around family engagement, Maths-Whizz are looking to offer a free partnership programme to a Northern Grid school.
"Maths-Whizz has invigorated our pupils and changed the way they view and learn mathematics. It has enabled children of all ages and abilities to succeed in maths. The programme has been exceptionally valuable for those with Special Educational Needs. By measuring improvement, all pupils have the opportunity to grow in confidence. Most importantly, we have witnessed a significant improvement in pupils' overall maths abilities. Maths-Whizz has been a valuable tool for us."
Anthony Sharpe, Deputy Head, Seven Mills School, London
Q: What is Maths-Whizz?
A: Maths-Whizz offers a fully inclusive online educational space that is guaranteed* to raise standards in maths. It works with schools in two ways:
1.Maths-Whizz Tutoring Plus
This powerful online service helps young people improve their maths skills by around 18 months in their first year of usage (when used for just 60 minutes a week), by supporting them with tutoring that is specifically tailored to their individual needs. It is aimed at 5-13 year olds and drives inclusive fun and motivation for students of all abilities including gifted and talented and SEN.
2.Maths-Whizz® Teachers' Resource
This award-winning online teacher-led resource is ideal for whole-class learning environments and covers the entire national curriculum from Foundation to year 8 with 1,200 learning objectives. Features include interactive whiteboard tools, investigations and full NCS matching charts.
Q: Why was Maths-Whizz developed, what gap did it fill?
A: For many children maths and fun don’t add up...
1....Whizz Education wanted to change that equation and so created Maths-Whizz, thus winning the Education Resources Award (ERA) Innovation Award this Spring. Maths-Whizz caters to students’ individual needs in the same way as a tutor would – with the added positives ofa collaborative online learning space that is underpinned by a wider framework of best practice and support. This engages parents, teachers and students in a triangle of success and doesn’t require extensive teacher input or administrator setup.
Q: What are the key ways pupils learn effectively?
A: Maths-Whizz enables students to work at their own level and pace, giving students the ability to receive and provide positive feedback and receive support when they need it. It does so in the following ways:
1.Maths-AgeTM is the measure that motivates young people, frame-working and supporting independent learning. It works by continuously measuring a student's level of achievement. This standard is based on the national curriculum and provides the measure Maths-Whizz uses to assess and progress students. The content used is therefore based specifically on a student’s unique learning needs. This assessment and delivery is backed up by a sophisticated reporting system.
2.Maths-Whizz drives motivation through an environment that students can populate and adapt to their needs. It works by providing personalised learning that puts students at the centre of their very own numeracy success story. Students can earn credits which allow them to purchase pets and toys and issue world-wide challenges.
3.Maths-Fun is what teachers, students and their parents (if teachers so chose) can share online.
Q: In which key ways does Maths-Whizz support effective teaching?
A: Maths-Whizz enables teachers to use a powerful 21st Century learning tool in a user-friendly and intuitive way.
1.Having worked with hundreds of schools over several years, we have observed that any mixed ability class will typically have a 4 year gap in maths ability between the least able and most able student. Also, any given child’s ability is very likely to vary across the different maths topics. The Maths-Whizz reporting system is a powerful assessment tool that allows teachers to cater inclusively to every student’s needs.
2.Innovative teaching practice that produces high-quality, differentiated learning activities is a goal for most schools. The components of this are understood, but integrating the teachers into this process to turn them into 21st Century educators is more challenging, as shown in several studies. Maths-Whizz was designed around a user-driven strategy and can thus help build teachers through effective modelling.
Q: Are there any other ways Maths-Whizz makes lives easier for teachers and students?
A: We provide a consistent, engaging homework tool for multi-topic teachers, enabling teachers to engage students at home and in school with confidence and fun.
Q: Does Maths-Whizz solve any problems for the school in terms of cost?
A: As educationalists we all recognise the benefits of one-to-one tutoring, the challenge however comes in terms of consistently and cost-effectively providing this in a school environment. We believe a 21st century online tutoring solution such as Maths-Whizz (from as little as £30 per year per student ) offers the most measurable, consistent and cost-effective solution for schools.
Q: How does Maths-Whizz support parental engagement?
A: We support parental and student engagement by giving both parties control over achievement within a recognisable standard in the home and school environment.
Maths-Whizz communicates in a medium which is readily accessible and non-confrontational. Its suits the working hours of a parent and allows them to participate in their child’s education regardless of their own Maths ability or physical availability.
1.Parents can preview and practise, getting to grips with teaching methods that won’t necessarily be familiar to them
2.Non native speakers can learn with their children, with help from the great voice-overs that support this type of engagement.
Q: What evidence is there of the impact on schools currently using Maths-Whizz?
A: Students who used Maths-Whizz for 90 minutes a week during 2009 and 2010 showed that they improved their maths age, on average, by between 1.75 and 2 years in 12 months of use.
(This is the suggested usage for underachieving students).
Please go the links below for testimonials and research.
http://www.whizz.com/about/research.html
http://www.whizz.com/teachers/what-teachers-say.html
And Finally – a great competition!
Your school can win access to the tutor for one class of 30 and whole school access for Teacher’s Resource for 6 months. All you have to do is respond (in no more than 50 words) with a positive reason why your school would benefit from access to six months of Maths-Whizz and be prepared to work with us on a follow-up case study.
Winners will be chosen by 30th May based on the 50 words response.
All entries should clearly state the name and address of the school and be accompanied by contact details of the Maths co-ordinator or Headteacher, Email and telephone.
Please send to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
NB: Editors decision is final and there are no cash alternatives.
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