(Re)discovering the joy of teaching maths through anticipation and exploration
Dr Elise van der Jagt
In this session, Elise talks about strategies to rekindle the joy of teaching mathematics through engaging activities that foster students' exploration. Classroom ready, engaging tasks are explored, such as the fishing problem and Noah's ark, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Elise emphasises opportunities for developing mathematical knowledge for teaching and the importance of the "anticipate" phase in lesson planning, where teachers identify learning goals and select tasks that align with students' prior knowledge. By participating in these activities, educators will walk away with helpful tips to create a more joyful and effective mathematics learning environment for their students.
Download from Elise's Session
About Dr Elise van der Jagt
Elise van der Jagt is a passionate educator and researcher dedicated to improving mathematics education for primary school students and pre-service teachers. She earned her PhD in 2019, focusing on the development of mathematical knowledge for teaching. Currently, Elise serves as the chair of the Wollongong cluster of the Mathematical Association of New South Wales, where she leads professional learning sessions for in-service teachers, and co-chair of the Effective Pedagogies Special Working Groups for the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia. Her work emphasises creative, inquiry-based approaches to mathematics, aiming to inspire both educators and students to engage with the subject joyfully. In addition to her teaching and research role at the University of Wollongong, Elise is committed to fostering a positive perception of mathematics, helping teachers build confidence and effectiveness in their practice.
