The document outlines the aims of a session on inquiry mathematics, highlighting its importance in promoting problem-solving as a core learning activity. It references findings from an Ofsted report and emphasizes the role of innovative problem presentation in facilitating deeper student engagement. Additionally, it provides information on resources and the structure of the inquiry maths program, including the significance of collaboration in learning.

1. Aims of the session
• Why inquiry maths?
• How do I run an inquiry lesson?
• Where can you find resources
and information?
Caitriona Martin
@mrsmartinmaths

2. Andrew Blair developed inquiry prompts and created the
website www.inquirymaths.com. He leads a maths
department in Brighton.
Follow Andrew @inquirymaths on twitter.

3. 24 x 21 = 42 x 12

4. Why Inquiry Maths?
Ofsted: Made to Measure (2012)
• Problem solving is rarely integral to learning; instead,
tended to be an activity that occurred towards the end
of topic – did not place students in position of thinking
deeply about how to solve the problem (69) or of
drawing on their previous knowledge, and grappling
with applying it in a new, unusual or complex context.
(71)
• In the best schools, topics are introduced by presenting
a suitable problem and inviting students to use
knowledge in innovative ways. (103)
Inquiry Maths

5. KS3 Programme of Study
(from September 2014)
inquiry maths

6. FIG Friday
(once per fortnight)
•Functional
•Inquiry
•Groupwork

7. What’s so different to ‘normal’ classrooms?

10. Think like a
mathematician

11. Vygotsky
Students learn to
regulate their own
thinking when their
behaviour is regulated
by collaborators in
social activity and when
they regulate the
thinking of others.
Inquiry Maths

12. Regulatory cards
Inquiry Maths

16. www.oeis.org
Numbers that are
congruent to {0,2} mod 6.

18. How open should the inquiry be?

19. Setting the level of the prompt
Currently
ZPD
CURRENT
out of
reach
(2,3) (6,12)

21. www.inquirymaths.com
inquiry maths