20250730 MAV25 synopsis - Flipbook - Page 107
Key takeaways:
1. Come away with a deeper understanding of the Reasoning
component of the Victorian/Australian curriculum.
2. See practical examples that help to develop reasoning and
ways of working mathematically.
3. Share ideas with other teachers of ways you are already
working with reasoning in your classroom.
F22 THRIVING WITH AI: SUPPORTING
MATHEMATICAL THINKING
This is a commercial presentation
Subtheme: Innovation and inspiration
Shirly Griffin, Jacaranda
(Year 7 to Year 10)
Emerging technologies are reshaping the way students
engage with mathematics. This session explores how
jacTUTOR, an AI-powered learning companion, helps
students thrive by providing just-in-time support when they
are confused, stuck, or need a concept explained differently,
without simply giving them the answer. Instead, it guides
students with questioning, modelling, and hints that keep
them thinking and engaged until they succeed.
For teachers, jacTUTOR becomes a powerful tool at
their fingertips, offering help to kickstart lessons, provide
alternative explanations, or support planning and delivery
across the curriculum. Learn how AI can enhance student
agency, build persistence, and reduce barriers to learning,
while supporting teachers with timely, targeted instructional
help.
This session will include a live demonstration and practical
examples of how jacTUTOR is being used in classrooms to
personalise learning and lift confidence — for both students
and teachers.
Key takeaways:
1. Discover how AI can support students when they’re stuck
without giving answers, keeping them engaged and building
confidence. Learn how teachers can use jacTUTOR for inclass support, planning, and differentiation.
2. See practical examples of how emerging technology helps
both students and teachers thrive in mathematics. Access
provided to attendees.
F23 10 PROBLEMS YOUR TEXTBOOK
FORGOT
This is a commercial presentation
Subtheme: Pedagogy and curriculum
David Treeby and Gareth Ainsworth, Scotch College
(Year 7 to Year 10)
How do we sustain mathematical curiosity while building
fluency and rigour? This session presents 10 carefully
selected problems — one from each of 10 “mundane”
curriculum areas — designed to develop algebraic muscle,
reveal surprising connections, and spark joy in mathematical
thinking. Each problem is accessible with standard content
knowledge but rich enough to encourage extension,
generalisation, and pattern exploration. We’ll discuss how
strategic topic sequencing (e.g. using Pythagoras to enrich
Measurement) and timely challenge can support both
mastery and love of mathematics. The session also serves as
a preview of a two-volume book written by David and Gareth
and published by Cambridge University Press. The session
is suitable for teachers seeking to stretch strong students
without abandoning the curriculum — and for those who
believe beauty and rigour can go hand in hand.
Key takeaways:
1. Design rich problems that extend core topics.
2. Sequence topics to enable depth and insight.
3. Foster mathematical independence through structured
challenge.
F24 THRIVING IS A SPECIAL THING: STORIES
OF SPECIAL NUMBERS
Subtheme: Pedagogy and curriculum
Brian Lannen, Murray Mathematics Curriculum Services
(Year 7 to Year 10)
Do you know the story behind the number 1729? How about
the numbers 8191, 8128 and 8208 which featured together
in an episode of The Simpsons? While one of these numbers
is Perfect another is Narcissistic. What defines them to be
such? 136 948 is a Vampire number, but what numbers
define its Fangs? In this session we will learn the definitions
of some special numbers and consider how we might use
technology to explore and generate them. Resources for
follow-on activities with groups of numbers like primes,
tetrahedral and metallic ratios will also be shared.
THE MATHEMATICAL
ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA
107
