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Following a few sessions of the game Maths Training and a chat with Norma Macphesron, East Lothian’s Advisory Teacher of Mathematics.

 Here are a few more thoughts:

Pros-

• Flash Cards are excellent for learning to recognise number spatial patterns.
• The Cells games are good for practising numeracy skills (especially tables).
• On the whole a useful method of formative assessment. The warm-up session maybe good for developing concentration (however, is it any better than any other game?)

Cons-

• The praise was pretty minimal.
• Results were ranked against a standard that is determined by an unknown body as oppose to one’s personal best.
• There was no way of going over mistakes.
• There was no more in-depth feedback.
• Error calculations do not appear to be programmed.

‘Additionally, this game does not lend itself to practise of mental strategies of multiplication e.g.

27

x3  

 81

A pupil would naturally use the strategy of-

(3×20) + (3×7)

= 60 + 21

= 81

For multiplication this game expects an algorithmic approach’.

-Norma Macpherson

 This is something not to be encouraged with 2 Digit x Single digit calculations. If the answer is 81 (as in the example above) one would naturally write the digit ‘8′ followed by the ‘1′. However this game requires the player to write the digit ‘1′ then the ‘8′ to be marked correct- very confusing I can assure you!

There are a number of DS trials running just now and A Math’s Training one about to start- I am looking forward to reading about the results, experiences and findings!

Math’s Training for the DS- Occupying or moving numeracy learning?