Project Summary
Extensive evidenced based research has shown that active learning is highly beneficial for students by improving student academic performance, and by promoting an engaging and creative environment stimulating higher-order thinking and metacognition. Combined with technology, accessible even by standard tablets and laptops, a learning environment is created that is suitable both in online and face-to-face formats that unlock the full potential of students.
Drawing on the experience gained after successful implementation of the PALMS Project in a tertiary setting, the PALMS Project aims to apply and extend parallel innovative active pedagogies with corresponding PALMS e-tools (e.g., YoTeach!, Badaboom! and online whiteboards) in the secondary school setting in Mathematics education. We are especially encouraged to do this due to our promising results observed after piloting our “Collaborative Problem Based Learning and Peer-Assessment (Co-PBLa-PA)" active pedagogy using interactive online whiteboards with a couple of math classes at Yuen Long Merchants Association Secondary School.
We are happy to announce that we have been approved by the Education Bureau of Hong Kong (EDB ) to launch a Quality Education Fund (QEF) Project entitled “Developing Active Learning Pedagogies and Mobile Applications in Secondary School Mathematics Education“.
We invite secondary school teachers to join us in the above captioned project. As a collaborator in this project, we would provide onsite pedagogical and technological support to implement active learning with the aid of technology in the classroom. Our team will develop relevant lesson plans and support its implementation for teachers. These lesson include the following new and improved active pedagogies with their related apps:
· A new fun and collaborative, problem-based learning and peer assessment teaching method utilizing online whiteboards;
· Interactive in-class activities using YoTeach!, a PALMS developed backchannel chatroom and drawing app;
· Gamified problem-based learning through Badaboom!, a Kahoot!-like platform which can implement math expressions and equations.
For a sneak peak at the teaching materials we would help you prepare, please take a look at the link
for lesson plans using PALMS tools. Also, please see our attached ppt presentation and demonstration of our PALMS tools for more information on our motivations behind our QEF project.
With your anticipated participation, we hope together we can give your math students more enjoyment in learning, showcase the powerful impact these learning strategies have on students’ learning outcomes, and build a collegial community of teachers dedicated to educational growth and development.
If you are interested in joining or learning more about this project or active learning with the aid of technology, please let us know by contacting palms.polyu.edu.hk. Once confirmed, our team will start to work with you for the necessary preparations during the Fall 2020 term, including developing lesson plans and conducting training on the relevant pedagogies for mathematics teachers, ready for a January 2021 implementation.
How to Join?
If you are interested in joining or learning more about this project, please let us know by contacting palms.hk@polyu.edu.hk and ssrar@polyu.edu.hk.
For more information, you are invited to attend the following online Project Briefing via Zoom:
Topic: PolyU QEF Project Briefing
When: June 29, 3:00pm – 3:30pm
Link: https://zoom.us/j/95258689729
Password: Please contact the above email addresses for the meeting password.
Once your project participation is confirmed, our team will start to work with you for the necessary preparations during the Fall 2020 term, including developing lesson plans and conducting training on the relevant pedagogies for mathematics teachers, ready for a January 2021 implementation.
For other general inquiries on active learning with the aid of technology, you are most welcome to reach out to our PALMS team at palms.hk@polyu.edu.hk.
