Professional Learning Courses
Developing Confidence in Mathematics Problem Solving
One Day Workshop – Primary teachers
- 5 hours course work
- Features activities, problem solving and practising feedback
Course Overview
Maths anxiety is a common issue in which students experience intense fear, stress, or apprehension when faced with maths-related tasks, often leading to avoidance behaviours, poor performance, and a lack of confidence in their abilities.
The root causes often include past negative experiences, a belief that they are “bad at maths”, or pressure to perform. Over time, this anxiety can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, hindering both learning and achievement.
To help students overcome maths anxiety, it’s important to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment. Encouraging a growth mindset, where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning, can reduce fear. Providing ample practice opportunities, breaking down complex problems into manageable steps, and using real-world applications of maths can also make the subject more approachable. Teachers who are patient and empathetic, who foster a sense of accomplishment through small successes, and who reassure students that everyone can improve with effort and time, will be successful in working with maths anxious students.
Providing strategies to support primary aged students in problem solving, our presenters will cover material at the session that is specifically relevant to the AITSL standards of professional practice.
During this practical and engaging workshop, teachers will:
- Examine key research that provides insights into the issue of maths anxiety, its onset and its effects on student behaviour.
- Learn how to plan for and implement effective teaching and safe learning environments.
- Discover how to create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments.
- Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning.
- Know students and how they learn.
Completing “Working Mathematically with APSMO – Reasoning” will contribute 5 hours of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Accredited PD in the priority area of delivery and assessment of NSW curriculum/EYLF addressing standard descriptor 3.2.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.
Course Presenter
Anne Prescott (Associate Professor)
Anne Poole
Anne Prescott (Associate Professor) is a secondary mathematics teacher and mathematics teacher educator. Anne’s research into Maths Anxiety led to a successful change in teaching Primary Student teachers to include working with Maths Anxious students. Anne seeks to support teachers in their valuable work in the classroom and is the Editor of Teachers’ Frontiers, the Journal of the NSW Teachers’ Guild.
Anne Poole is a former School Principal and teacher with extensive experience in Primary Education. As a former Maths consultant, she is the author of Mathematics text books and programs related to Maths Curriculum and Problem Solving. Presently she works with preservice teachers in the areas of Primary Mathematics, Professional Experience and Educational Practice.
Upcoming Courses
Primary teachers
Date:
Wednesday, 12 March 2025
Time:
9:00am – 3:00pm
Venue:
Bankstown Sports Club, Bankstown NSW
Fees:
APSMO Schools: $330
Non-APSMO Schools: $400
Date:
TBC – Term 3, 2023
Time:
9:00am – 3:00pm
Venue:
Canberra, ACT
Fees:
APSMO Schools: $295
Email us for further information
NSW stage specific workshops will return later in 2024.
Other states – refer to the combined Years 3 – 6 PL page.
Dates and venues TBC
APSMO professional learning workshops will return in 2025.
Dates and venues TBC.
All fees include GST
Workshops will commence in Term 1, 2024
Dates and venues TBC
