The project investigated student opinions of functional skills Math in reference to the use of practical applications and a collaborative teaching approach to assist the learning and engagement of learners in Further Education.
The project's aim was threefold: to use creative maths approaches to develop learner ability, achievement and autonomy; to use practical active maths exercises to create a holistic environment in vocational teaching areas, and; to develop a collaborative relationship with vocational teaching to demonstrate the relevance to learners of Functional Skills maths
Results suggested that the majority of students were aware of the use of Functional Skills and their preference seemed to be towards practical sessions. Feedback suggested that practical math was more preferable to the traditional taught lessons. Surprisingly not all students seemed to have an understanding of where maths plays a role in their own vocational area, with 16% disagreeing that maths has a functional role within their main subject area. The use of a collaborative approach between Functional Skills Specialists and Vocational Tutors proved to be a positive experience for both the teaching teams and the learners. Data was gathered from document analysis and interviews/survey.
LSIS Research Development Fellowship