Experiences

Types of lines

Raducanu

Romania

High Secondary School

Maths

Teaching in class

Direct

Building new things on what pupils know is very important when teaching science (and not only). I start from eliciting from pupils what basic geometry terms they know. I’ve found that this helps when I begin to teach pupils math. I usually start basic geometry from lines and points because they are within pupils’ experience and accessible to imagine. Imagination is very close to mathematics. We talk about different types of lines they have come across and ask them to draw on the board so that everybody can see them. Lines are interesting because they can extend in either direction forever. I usually ask them to find a way to stop lines. There are always pupils who give an interesting answer. I encourage them to give free vent to their imagination. Communication is very important as well as encouragement.