Conference synopsis_MAVCON2026 - Flipbook - Page 132
SESSION G: Friday, 2pm-3pm (cont.)
Key takeaways:
G30 ALGEBRA LIFE HACKS
1. Gain confidence using MAV Rovers, regardless of prior
experience.
Sub-category: Mathematical content and concepts
2. Explore classroom-ready activities linking coding and
mathematics.
3. Learn practical ways to start and grow a Rover program in
your own school.
G29 MASTERING MULTIPLICATIVE
THINKING: STRATEGIES FOR EVERY
CLASSROOM
Sub-category: Mathematical content and concepts
Michael Minas, Love Maths
F - Y6
Multiplicative thinking is a critical foundation for success,
underpinning much of the content our students will
tackle once they hit secondary school, from fractions and
proportional reasoning to algebra. Yet many students leave
Victorian primary schools reliant on additive strategies, thus
limiting their ability to tackle more complex mathematical
ideas.
In this practical and engaging session, we will explore what
multiplicative thinking looks like in primary classrooms from
Foundation all the way through to Year 6. Drawing on current
research and classroom experience, participants will discover
how to develop multiplicative thinking through rich tasks,
purposeful questioning, and visual representations.
You will leave with ready-to-use activities and teaching
approaches that build confidence, deepen understanding,
and help students move beyond procedures to become
flexible and powerful mathematical thinkers.
Key takeaways:
1. Recognise and develop multiplicative thinking across the
primary years.
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Chris Wetherell, Australian Maths Trust
Y7 - Y12
If you know about area and perimeter, then you can solve
quadratic equations. This is not a new idea. But if you also
know Pythagoras’ theorem, then you are ready for the
weirdest way to avoid doing algebra that you’ve seen all week!
Prepare to tackle some senior-level challenges using only Year
8 skills.
Key takeaways:
1. Interconnectedness of topics across the curriculum,
specifically geometry, measurement and simultaneous
quadratic equations.
G31 BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATIONS:
WHY COUNTING MATTERS MORE THAN
TIMES TABLES.
Sub-category: Mathematical content and concepts
Michaela Epstein , Maths Teacher Circles
Early Childhood - Y12
Do you find yourself spread thin, trying to get through all the
curriculum? After all, the curriculum is jam-packed with very
little wiggle room. But, it doesn’t have to be like this.
In fact, not all curriculum dot-points were created equally.
Some ideas matter far more than others. These are Big Ideas:
concepts that connect to and unlock a lot of other learning.
Counting is one of them. It drives everything. From addition
to advanced algebra. Patterns to probability.
Counting is a concept that is as relevant for secondary
schoolers, as it is for early learners. It’s the heartbeat of maths.
At the practical session, Michaela will share how, by focusing
on less, we can go deeper. And, from this, you’ll uncover the
power of counting. Whether you teach Year 10s or Year 2s,
you’ll learn how you can use it to unlock important insights for
all students.
2. Understand how to use rich tasks, questioning, and
representations to build understanding and tackle
misconceptions.
Key takeaways:
3. Leave with ready-to-use tools to strengthen mathematical
reasoning.
1. Know why counting is a Big Idea that gives an outsized
payoff
