DHSZ Open Class Ep.04-Maths

Welcome back to our Open Class Series! 

In this series, we take a look at real classes at DHSZ. Clips are taken straight from the classroom, with teachers speaking openly about their craft. If you are a student or parent interested in joining our school, this series is a perfect opportunity to get an in-depth look at the day-to-day classroom experience.

In our fourth installment, we are taking a look at Mathematics:

At DHSZ we believe that it is crucial to equip students with necessary mathematical skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.  

In this installment, Mr Adam Harrison brought a highly-interactive Maths class! 

What is the Class About

The class is designed to help students be able to solve logarithmic equations, including log equations. This process of solving logarithmic equations not only helps students understand mathematical problems but also exercises and cultivates their problem-solving ability. 

This is the 2nd lesson in a two-lesson series of solving logarithmic equations. In the first lesson we looked at simple examples and did some problem-solving around linear equations. Then this lesson, we moved on to complex problem-solving and quadratic equations.

Teaching Style

In DHSZ Maths classes, teachers always use various teaching styles to help students learn effectively. They utilise interactive teaching methods such as problem-based learning, collaborative learning, and differentiated instruction to enhance students' learning experiences. Teachers also use technology to create an engaging and interactive learning environment, making maths learning more fun and exciting. In today’s class, Tarsia sparked the interest of students, which is a matching puzzle game that helps students practice and revise concepts.  Mr Harrison said that, ‘Tarsia is a strategy I like to use to help the students collaborate and practice the maths while making it fun and trying to put the puzzle together. I provide credits for the winners to motivate them further, and it also allows students to help each other if they are unsure on how to solve a particular problem’. 

Tarsia

In a tarsia puzzle, each piece has a question or answer in it.  As students match the pieces together correctly, answers to questions are revealed.  Each triangular piece fits into another, creating a perfect hexagonal shape.  Puzzles can be digital and are not just for mathematics! 

Educational Philosophy 

Our teachers encourage students to explore, experiment and discover mathematical concepts through various teaching methods, which helps students develop a deeper understanding of mathematics and apply the concepts in real-world scenarios. In Mr. Harrison’s class, we found that not only maths knowledge is addressed, but English language practice is incorporated to help students learn the language in context. Students will learn about relevant nouns, verbs, and terms to help them discuss the content they’re learning.

Since Maths is a subject that requires students to learn new terms and concepts, all in English, students can improve their English vocabulary by actively engaging in classroom discussions, participating in group activities, and reading English books and journals related to Maths. Mr Harrsion told us, “This strategy was interesting because we have looked at how to solve quadratic equations by changing the variables before, and we have looked at how to solve logarithmic equations, so I was trying to get the students to link these two knowledge points together without me telling them how to do it. Also, I wanted them to write a list of instructions as this will help them improve the quality of their English and will be a useful revision tool for themselves when it comes to exam revision time.”

Advice from Mr Harrison 

Learning Maths can be challenging, but with the right approach, students can excel in this subject. To succeed in Maths, Mr. Harrison advised, “Students should find an area of Maths they are interested in. Maths is so diverse and broad that students can get lost. If you find an area you’re interested in, there will be connections, and it will help to consolidate knowledge and see connections in all mathematics.” 

Maths is an essential subject in high school learning and beyond. Through various teaching methods, the use of technology, and combining learning and recreation such as playing Tarsia, we create an engaging and exciting learning environment that helps students develop critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. By adopting an inquiry-based learning philosophy and providing students with the necessary resources and support, we expect our students to excel in Maths and prepare them for success in the real world.