Imran's Maths Learning Story

Learners: Amin & Imran    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. Amin and Imran 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. Amin and Imran settled into the task well and came up with methods to share the roles of flipping and recording the data. After 50 flips, they had the outcome of 25 heads to 25 tails, proving the 50:50 likelihood correct. To follow up, Imran and Amin tried flipping the coin 50 times to see if they could get a different outcome. The second time they had a result of 29:21 which meant that it was not always going to be possible to have an equal outcome of flips.

Evidence of learning

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Imran and Amin 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 boys asked me for help and I directed them to two other learners who had previously solved the issue they were facing. The four of them discussed what the next step was (flipping the coin another 50 times) and Imran and Amin carried this out. They were both very curious to see if they would have a similar outcome when rolling a dice for a certain number.

Next Learning Steps

Analyse the outcome of their dice rolling investigation. What number was the most common? Were any rolled an equal number of times? Make a video on Educreations to teach other learners.