Christian's Maths Learning Story

Learners: Christian & Taanvi    Learning Coach: T.Dillner          Date: 26.6.15

Learning Area: Mathematics - Probability

Learning Observed

Recently in Mrs Dillner’s Maths group, we have been learning about Probability and Chance. We were talking about the probability of random events like flipping a coin or rolling a dice. Before the learners chose which activity they would like to do, they had to understand tally charts and how to use them. Each learner had to have a tally chart created to show how they would record their data. Taanvi and Christian chose to flip a coin. They had to flip it 50 times and record how many times the coin landed on heads or tails. We had previously discussed how as there are only two possibilities, the chances were 50:50. Christian and Taanvi settled into the task well and came up with methods to share the roles of flipping and recording the data. They communicated well to each other throughout. After 50 flips, they had the outcome of 25 heads to 25 tails, proving the 50:50 likelihood correct. To follow up, they tried flipping the coin 50 times to see if they could get a different outcome.

Evidence of learning

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Christian and Taanvi showed that they knew how to best collaborate on this task. Sometimes sharing and compromise is necessary when working in a team, and they worked this out quickly (Relating to Others and Managing Self). Another example of good collaboration was when the girls asked me for help and I directed them to two other learners who had previously solved the issue Taanvi and Christian were facing. The four of them discussed what the next step was (flipping the coin another 50 times) and Taanvi and Christian carried this out. They were both very curious to see if they would prove the 50:50 probability of flipping a coin or not, and the closer they became to achieving it, the more excited they became.

Next Learning Steps

Carry out a Probability investigation with less than a 50:50 chance e.g. rolling a dice 60 times. Write a reflection of what they learnt about Probability from doing this task.