The document discusses strategies for engaging math students using an inquiry approach. It advocates for creating a caring classroom community where students respect each other's abilities and ideas. Teachers should provide opportunities for both independent and collaborative work, including mixed ability groups, word problems accessible to all levels, and not prescribing specific strategies but guiding students towards effective methods. Developing mathematical language and multiple forms of representation helps students learn.

1. Bobbie Hunter Maths
Engaging students in maths using an inquiry approach
S

2. Relational equity
S Students treating each other with respect and
responsibility regardless of maths ability.
S What does it look like? Students in two mixed ability
groups solving word problems using a variety of
strategies, then explaining those strategies.

3. Ethic of care
S Caring classroom communities help develop students
mathematics identities
S What does it look like? Students and teachers valuing
others mathematical input. By creating this safe
environment students are more likely to take risks and
get involved.

4. Shared thinking
S Effective teaching provides students with opportunities to
work both independently and collaboratively to make
sense of ideas:
S What it looks like? Time to think and work quietly, time to
work in small groups, and time to share ideas during
whole class discussions.

5. What else is involved?
S Mixed ability groups to empower lower levels and expose them to higher
mathematics
S Word problems that can be accessed by all levels (We have $62 to spend and need
to buy new pens for the class that cost $5. How many pens can we buy?
S Not teaching a specific strategy, but steering students towards the most effective
strategy to use. Johnny got the answer by counting all, but skip counting in 5’s was
a quicker way of doing this.
S Developing students mathematical language to inable them to ask questions,
develop strategies, give reasons. What do you mean by….? I know3+4 =7 because
3+3=6 and one more is 7.
S Representing their work through drawings, materials, acting, etc.

6. More info….