Rich Tasks

There have been several updates to the Diigo Rich Tasks list which has many resources for the classroom.
(Note that the list can also be played as web slides.)

Nrich has extensive resources including articles discussing the nature of rich tasks.
Their curriculum mapping documents provide a helpful way for teachers to find resources. Also note the Nrich Packages, these include a set of tasks on working systematically and the Nrich poster collection (scroll down to the bottom of the poster collection page to download the collection as a PowerPoint presentation).

The Nuffield AMP Investigations are designed to teach and assess key mathematical processes. Each task has detailed teacher notes.

New Bowland shorter assessment tasks include worksheets, notes and an optional presentation in three different formats, Word, pdf or PowerPoint.

From AQA comes an outstanding resource which includes numerous problems. Click the resources tab then look for the Additional Maths – Problem Solving Questions & Teachers’ Guide.

Jon Stratford’s Rich Maths Tasks site has extensive resources, note the Key Processes under Pedagogy includes cards to download in pupil speak.

For older students (16+) try Jonny Griffith’s RISPS (Rich Starting Points). Note he also has a companion Statistics site.

Rich Tasks & Cool Themes

Now there’s an odd title – the link is the tools I have used recently.

They are two of my favourites that stay at the top of my favourites list – WordPress and Diigo.

Diigo because I can save and organise my numerous bookmarks as well as using the research tools for highlighting web pages and adding notes to annotate. Diigo’s facility to create lists is so useful; my latest list on Rich Tasks (Mathematics) puts together some useful links. Most if not all readers will know of nrich, but perhaps not so well known is the New Zealand Problem Solving site which as well as numerous problems with teachers’ notes has guidance on problem solving strategies.

WordPress because it is easy to use, looks great, always reliable and I can share information so easily with my students and with other teachers. What is made available free is superb – I couldn’t resist their new theme, Greyzed (there have been many recently) for my blog with useful links for students.