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What is the same and what is different about mathematics lessons between this year and last year? (details)

(n=41)

CommentsAnalysisParaphrased illustrative comments
Maths is harder/easier 9 students reported mathematics to be harder in year 7 in comparison with year 6. Some students elaborated this was because they were learning new concepts.
3 students reported the mathematics was easier in year 7 than in year 6. Reasons given for this was that it was better explained, they received more help from the teacher, they were better informed what they were learning
  • last year maths was easier, this year work is harder: we do new stuff, like algebra; we have to learn new stuff and that can be complicated. This year we get much more explanation like what is going on. In primary we had to read what was in the books.
  • we are not put into groups like higher and lower. I prefer this now. Can be with friends who are better and not as good. I can do better now. We do more worksheets now, at primary more textbooks. It is easier
Lessons are more interesting 4 students reported lessons were more interesting
  • this year it's more interesting - both the maths and how the teacher teaches
  • more interesting this year because doing more practical lessons
  • last year all we did was sit down and work through books. Occasionally practical and some ICT. Better now: get into the work now instead of listening [which is] boring
Learn more 3 students reported they felt they were learning more in year 7 than in year 6.
  • this year we learn a lot more. The teacher explains more what we are doing
  • last year: no smartboard, no starter, lots of talking but not about maths. This year lots of talking about maths
  • this year: interactive whiteboards- more activities at the board and that is better than writing all the time and working from the textbook. You learn more now, it is funnier, it is games, you concentrate more
Discussion structures 3 students talked about how discussions were structured different in year 7 and the effects that has on them.
  • last year discussed in groups at table. This year we are with partners and in the big group. Now I think more and find more answers
  • last year: we discussed in groups, now more in pairs
  • this year: we talk to partners to help each other with questions and compare answers
About being in mixed ability classes No negative remarks were made about being in a mixed ability group. 3 students reported why they enjoyed being in a mixed ability group and the effect it had on their learning
  • last year more people asked questions and I could not do them so felt left out
  • last year: we split into little groups and taken into separate rooms. Liked this a little bit. This year it is better because whole group is not split up
Doing practical mathematics 1 student reported doing less practical mathematics and 2 students reported doing more. 1 student said this made the lesson more interesting.
  • more interesting this year because doing more practical lessons
Using computers 2 students reported using computers less; 3 students reported using computers more. None of the students expanded on the effect that had on their learning  
Using calculators 1 student reported using calculators more; 2 students reported using calculators less. For 1 student use of calculators was associated with having to do harder mathematics.
  • last year it was easier, not so often using calculators. This year harder because I am at secondary school and we do calculating areas of triangles and squares and I can't use calculators that much