ImpactEd has supported over 100 schools in building teacher confidence to deliver Mathematics through targeted PLD that focused on deepening teachers’ mathematical knowledge, enhancing their ability to respond to student thinking, and fostering a culture of continuous professional growth.
Our facilitation emphasises the development of a solid mathematical foundation for teachers, focusing on both conceptual understanding and practical application. Through tailored PLD, we equip teachers with:
· A deeper understanding ofMathematical concepts aligned with the curriculum, ensuring that they can confidently teach key topics across different year levels.
· Strategies to apply this knowledge in the classroom, including problem-solving techniques, real-world examples, and hands-on activities that make maths engaging for students.
A focus on practical application of mathematical knowledge allows teachers to improve their content mastery, as well as their ability to deliver lessons that resonate with students. A critical aspect of effective maths teaching is teachers' ability to notice and interpret students’ thought processes during problem-solving. OurPLD sessions have helped teachers to develop the skills to identify students’ misconceptions early, analyse student work and verbal explanations, and respond to student thinking.
To create confident and reflective practitioners, we emphasise the development of productive habits of mind, including:
· Reflective practice: Teachers are encouraged to reflect on their instructional methods and student outcomes regularly. ImpactEd supports this process by providing tools and frameworks for reflective practice, enabling teachers to identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes.
· Resilience and problem-solving: Teachers are guided to develop resilience in their practice, learning to embrace challenges and adapt to new teaching strategies. This mindset shift ensures that teachers remain open to innovation and growth in their teaching methods.
A key part of our approach is fostering collegial relationships and creating structures that support continued learning. This includes the promotion of Collaborative ProfessionalLearning Communities (PLCs) and mentorship/peer observation. Through supportive structures, teachers can feel more confident and connected, knowing they have a network of colleagues who can help them navigate challenges and celebrate growth.
Impact:
· Teachers gained a deeper understanding of key mathematical concepts and learned how to deliver these effectively across different year levels and for different groups of learners.
· Teachers were trained to identify student misconceptions early and respond with targeted scaffolding and questioning techniques.
· The project emphasised resilience and reflective practice, which encouraged the teachers we worked with to embrace challenges and continuously improve their instruction.
· The initiative also fostered a collaborative environment through the establishment of PLCs and peer observation, helping teachers grow together and support one another.
A key insight of this work is that building teacher confidence and fostering a growth mindset leads to more effective teaching and improved student outcomes. Collaborative support systems such as PLCs and mentorship, are crucial components for bolstering teacher confidence and ensuring continuous professional growth.
Across these projects and initiatives, ImpactEd has demonstrated the ability to improve teachers’ mathematical knowledge, enhance their capacity to respond to student thinking, foster productive habits of mind, and build strong collegial relationships. These initiatives have not only aligned with the curriculum guidelines but have also driven lasting improvements in teaching practices and student outcomes.
"ImpactEd’s approach to developing resources and support to strengthen teachers' mathematical knowledge and their capacity to notice and respond to student thinking was both insightful and practical. Teachers are being introduced to real-time data collection tools and strategies, which helps them adjust their teaching methods instantly, leading to improved student engagement and understanding. The focus on continuous, formative assessment is empowering teachers to become more adaptive and responsive to their students' needs."
