Maths Invaders at Templeton Primary School
Aidan Schanssema, Director of Teaching – Numeracy, from Templeton Primary School gives insight into the use of Maths Invaders by Year 2 classes at the
Combining a deep understanding of learning theory and classroom practice with innovative technology is at the heart of EdAlive’s suite of online learning websites. Research ensures that every product delivers the best student outcomes and continues to improve.
A study of student progression in Baggin’ the Dragon Maths shows users making solid progress. Findings show a typical increase of six months’ maths age in six half-hour sessions in game mode recorded across multiple age groups and starting abilities. This impressive increase of mathematical skill is a key to boosting maths skills in the classroom!
For students with sufficient history of usage of Baggin’ the Dragon Maths (over 200 correct answers), it was found that the average rate of progression across 50 mixed-age students was six months in maths age after the equivalent of 6 half-hour sessions in game mode – around 180 questions attempted. (Note: this work could be completed in less time using practice mode without game-play interludes.)
Figure 1 shows the average progression for these students, indicating a strong trend. Students from a wide range of initial levels and ages contributed to this trend. This is important evidence that Baggin’ the Dragon Maths is a valuable tool across a wide range of ages and students will benefit whether they are currently performing at, above, or below age expectations.
With its multiple-topic automated Adaptive Learning, Baggin’ the Dragon Maths is perfect for directing extra attention where it is needed, and always at the right level to consolidate and extend.
The widespread success for users of Baggin’ the Dragon Maths shows that it is not dependent upon teacher input to set work or monitor progress. Automated Adaptive Learning takes the hard work out of setting individualised revision or extension material. Even more, students receive real-time feedback without creating more marking for teachers. The whole class remains engaged: fast learners don’t become bored and slower learners don’t feel friendless, but rather grow in confidence as they learn. Baggin’ the Dragon Maths even offers a realistic alternative to individual tutoring: targeted assistance with proven results for a fraction of the cost.
Baggin’ the Dragon Maths presents students with problem-type questions across nine topics each with up to 33 levels, within eight curriculum ages ranging through 5-6 year-olds to 12-15 year-olds. EdAlive’s automated Adaptive Learning system tailors the content to each student. In game mode, multiple students answer a question (concurrently) and then participate in the engaging Baggin’ the Dragon game with elements influenced by their mathematical success. If a question is too hard, the player has the option to try an alternative question, but there are also bonus points on offer for tackling a more challenging question.
In contrast to Maths Invaders with its focus on quick-fire mental questions at speed to produce fluency, Baggin’ the Dragon Maths requires students to think through a problem; at the more advanced levels, multiple steps may be involved.
Automated Adaptive Learning is applied to each topic separately so that students may find their most suitable level in each – the perfect balance of challenge and reinforcement. The nine specified topics are:
These topics are broadly-defined: collectively they cover over 90% of the curriculum.
EdAlive’s other Online Learning websites all incorporate equivalent technology and boast similar student achievements. From raising typing speed by 6wpm a term with Typing Tournament and boosting maths age and instant recall speed with Maths Invaders. Additionally with Words Rock and Volcanic Panic Reading Success, research indicates that students are making remarkable learning progress in comparison to their peers.
Aidan Schanssema, Director of Teaching – Numeracy, from Templeton Primary School gives insight into the use of Maths Invaders by Year 2 classes at the
The link between speed, confidence, fluency and attainment What does a confident student look like? Motivated – an enthusiastic learner who is ready to respond
Research demonstrates that the consistent use of Maths Invaders significantly boosts students’ answer speed (confidence) and attainment (maths age) at a rate well above normal