DMIC (Developing mathematical Inquiry Communities)

As part of the 2019 Kelvin Road School Strategic plan, Kelvin Road School has started implementing DMIC (Developing Mathematical Inquiry Communities) as part of their Mathematical programme. 

The purpose behind DMIC is for the teachers to become more culturally responsive towards the tamariki that they teach and their individual needs. Mathematical word problems are created by the teacher that tamariki can relate to in a realistic context based around their culture and Identity. 

Students are learning skills to be able to work collaboratively with others in a group setting and drive their learning (take ownership of their learning)

Students are placed in mixed ability groups which are changed fortnightly. This ensures that students are able to socially interact with students that they do not usually interact with, enhancing their social and communication skills.   Here is an example video of what DMIC is all about.

In room 16 we have been learning about what makes a great mathematician and students work together collaboratively to solve word problems that have been crafted carefully by their teacher. 

Talk moves are used to encourage communication within groups in terms of when they are working together collaboratively.

Below are some examples of the word problems that we have been working on as a class. These problems are personalized and have a realistic context to it so that children are able to make connections with it. They are also culturally responsive questions that children are able to make connections with.