1.1.1

Introduction to the Course & Common Questions

Test yourself

Deciding Which Methods to Use

If you're deciding whether or not to use a method, ask yourself the following questions to help determine whether it's a good method for you or not.

Is the method easy to explain?

  • Will pupils understand how it works?

Is the procedure easy to remember?

  • Multi-step algorithms will probably need a lot more practice than more intuitive methods.

Are there misconceptions?

  • Does the method lead to common misconceptions? How will you deal with that?

Efficient? Intuitive?

  • Is the method efficient? Is it elegant? Is it intuitive? Would you use it yourself?

Does it have future application?

  • Does your chosen method hold for maths you will teach in the future? Will it need to be replaced when the problems become more complex?

Who chooses?

  • Do you want to select methods for your pupils, or allow them to choose? If you intend to give them some choice, do you want this decision being taken at a whole-class level or an individual level?

Consistency?

  • Do you want consistency of methods within your school? Does it matter? Consider what happens if pupils change teachers.

What methods do students use?

  • Do your pupils use an online homework platform? Do they use textbooks? Are your chosen methods consistent with the methods pupils will see elsewhere? Does it matter?

Jump to other topics

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium