What is SPEAR Math?

 

SPEAR Math is a simple but effective framework which promotes the development of preschool and elementary school Math problem solving and investigational skills and helps pupils to become independent learners. Based on a brain-friendly philosophy of education, SPEAR will help teachers and pupils to become effective and enthusiastic Math problem-solvers.

Fully resourced with a range of tools for pupils and teachers and completely updated for 2015, together with a collection of over 550 new and familiar problems, SPEAR Math is the Math resource that elementary schools have been waiting for.

 

 

SPEAR Math:

• promotes independence

• supports creative thinking

• encourages the application of Math concepts

• provides a flexible programme for pupils of all abilities

 

SPEAR Math uses a five-step framework:

 

 

Each stage is supported by a range of pupil and teacher materials to ensure that children develop the problem-solving skills they need to succeed.  

 

 

SPEAR Math is based on the educational philosophy of Sternberg and Vygostky. 

Sternberg maintains that ‘intelligence’ is not fixed in any individual but is fundamentally the ability to solve problems. This ability can be improved by giving learners appropriate experiential learning, by embedding the learning in relevant contexts and by explicitly teaching tools and strategies for solving problems. In teaching our pupils problem solving, we have the opportunity to increase their intelligence.

We can dynamically improve learners’ capacities for ‘learning how to learn’ by presenting aspects of the curriculum as problems to be solved, rather than (simply) bodies of knowledge to be learned.

In Vygotsky's 'zone of proximal development' the role of the teacher is to structure learning opportunities to enable learners to acquire new knowledge and understanding for themselves.

 

 

 

SPEAR Math is available to schools or individuals (advisers, home-schoolers, etc.) through a one-off payment of $25. This payment covers use by a school or individual, as relevant. Buyers agree not to share SPEAR Math resources with third parties outrside the organisation for which the purchase has been made.

If you wish to subscribe to SPEAR Math, simply complete the online application form.