Assessment Criteria 2.1 Summarise the nature of argument and proof in mathematics, including the language of proof, its origins in geometry, and the role of algebra in generalising. 2.2 Analyse the use, interpretation, representation and misrepresentation of data. 2.3 Analyse the effects of the origins and status of maths knowledge on mathematics curriculum development. 2.4 Apply knowledge of teaching and learning theories to numeracy and maths in order to improve practice. 2.5 refer to and use a range of sources from relevant literature in the discussion. 2.6 Demonstrate clarity and appropriateness of writing, expression and presentation for a professional audience, and adhere to the word count. Guidance - Choose one of the mathematical/statistical investigations used or referenced in the sessions. - Identify a solution to the investigation - Compare the investigation and solution to other investigations. - Reflect on the process of investigation and identify issues relate to learning mathematics/numeracy including: strategies for learning and teaching; curriculum development. - When thinking about implications for practice it is unlikely that you will have a direct link to learner issues. You should consider the parallels between the mathematics that you have studied in the course and the mathematics that your learners undertake. For example, the difficulties you face and how you resolved these difficulties should tell you something about similar issues for learners when solving their own mathematical problems. Comment on the nature of mathematical knowledge and investigation and aspects of the wider curriculum (ie content, process, assessment, in a variety of subjects/contexts). Structure This assessment should follow the expected norms and conventions of a report. It should be structured in sections, with headings and subheadings where appropriate. It should be word-processed. Proposed headings Introduction This should include · An overview of this assessment task · A brief description of the mathematical/statistical investigation · An overview of the learning and teaching issues that will be raised in the work Main body (use your own section headings) This should include · A description of the problem and appropriate referenced source · A ‘solution’ to the investigation with appropriate references · A comparison of this problem with a different type of investigation making sure that all aspects of criteria 2.1 and 2.2 are met i.e. involves geometry, algebra and statistical thinking. Reference appropriate sources · A discussion of the solution to the problem referencing appropriate mathematics/numeracy education literature · A discussion of implications for practice including learning and teaching strategies and curriculum design and referenced to appropriate literature · Reflections on the nature of mathematical knowledge Conclusion This should include a summary of · The problem and the solution · Implications for practice · Reflections on the nature of mathematical knowledge. (It is not the place to bring in new ideas and reflections on the strategies used. These should be part of the main body of the report.) It may include · Caveats to the process · Your feelings about the mathematics Annotated assessment criteria 2.1 & 2.2 These two criteria should be addressed in the problem and its solution or in the comparison to other types of problem. 2.3 This criteria should be met by considering how your problem and its solution relate to description of the curriculum e.g. do you define a curriculum by its content (e.g. the Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum), by the processes involved (e.g. key skills) or through the outcomes and then considering the nature of mathematical knowledge in this process. 2.4 This criteria will be met by the description of implications for practice outlined in the work 2.5 This criteria is necessary to maintain the academic standard of your report (with 2.6). Wherever possible evaluation of observed behaviour, suggest resolution of issues and analysis of outcomes should be compared to, or contrasted with published sources. The investigation I wish to look at is what are the odds of two learners in a class of 30 having the same birthday.