INFORMATION SHEET #1

Basic mathematics skills

Learning math can be a daunting task when you do not have the right tools or the
right materials, especially if you grew up believing that math is hard and that you will
never understand it. Get rid of any negative thinking that either your teachers, friends, or
even a caring relative helped you build over the years and start believing in yourself.

Math is like a pyramid. Every new skill requires an understanding of prerequisites to do

well.

For instance, before, one can learn how to add numbers with 3 digits, such as
256 + 128, it is important to know how to add numbers with just one digit or two such as

1 + 5 or 24 + 50.

By the same token, before learning pre-algebra, a good understanding of basic

mathematics is important. And before learning algebra, a solid understanding of pre-
algebra is a must. In the end, your basic mathematics knowledge will be strong and you
will be very much prepared to handle algebra or any other higher level math courses!

The following tips are just my advices

 Plan a regular time to study

 Choose a quiet place where you will not be distracted.
 When you study, try to study an entire lesson, or an entire chapter.
 When you finish a whole lesson or a whole chapter, it may leave you with a great
feeling of accomplishment
 When you feel sleepy, take a short break; you will not learn much, if anything if you
are not alert.

Mathematical Processes

 Problem Solving
 Reasoning and Proving
 Reflecting
 Selecting Tools and Computational Strategies
 Connecting
 Representing
 Communicating

Why it is important to engage students in mathematical processes

Even if you’ve stopped growing physically, you certainly haven’t stopped growing mentally
and emotionally. Nor do you stop learning after you finish school, not as long as there are
opportunities for learning and growth all around us. Learning also comes in many—and
often surprising—forms. But no matter how it appears, learning is forever and learning is
for the future.

It is important that students see mathematics as sensible, useful, and doable

THE PROCESSES OF MATHEMATICS

 Reasoning

 Justify why an answer or approach to a problem is reasonable;

 Make and test generalizations based upon investigation or observation;
 Make predictions or draw conclusions from available information;
 Analyze statements and provide examples which support or refute them;
 Judge the validity of arguments by applying inductive (1) and deductive(2) thinking;
(1)
inductive: inference by reasoning from the specific to the general.
(2)
deductive: inference by reasoning from the general to the specific.
 Use supporting data to explain why a chosen method used and a solution are
mathematically correct.

Connections

 Identify and use the relationships among mathematical concepts as a basis for learning
additional concepts;
 Identify the relationships among graphical, numerical, physical, and algebraic
mathematical models and concepts;
 Identify mathematical concepts and processes as they apply to other content areas;
 Use mathematical concepts and processes to translate personal experiences into
mathematical language.

Communications

 Use multiple representations to express mathematical concepts and solutions;

 Represent problem situations and express their solutions using pictorial, tabular,
graphical, and algebraic methods;
 Use mathematical language and symbolism appropriately;
 Describe situations mathematically by providing mathematical ideas and evidence in
written form;
 Present results in written form.

Problem Solving

 Use information to identify and define the question(s) within a problem;

 Make a plan and decide what information and steps are needed to solve the problem;
 Choose the appropriate operation(s) for a given problem situation;
 Select and apply appropriate problem-solving strategies to solve a problem from visual
(draw a picture, create a graph), numerical (guess and check, look for a pattern), and
symbolic (write an equation) perspectives;
 Organize, interpret, and use relevant information;
 Select and use appropriate tools and technology;
 Show that no solution or multiple solutions may exist;
 Identify alternate ways to find a solution;
 Apply what was learned to a new problem.
 INFORMATION SHEET #10

Workplace forms and documents

Most business operations rely on complete and accurate workplace documents for
communication, information management and record keeping. Your role may require you to
write emails and letters, and complete documents and reports.

Determine authorisations and permissions

You might prepare documents to be signed by delegated persons, or be authorised to sign
certain documents yourself. Some information is protected by privacy and confidentiality
policies that determine who can see it.

Identify any rules and formats that apply

Organisations are often specific about how to present formal correspondence and case
management notes, as well as reporting and record keeping, including for legal purposes.
Workplace guidelines, templates and forms are often provided to ensure that these tasks are
completed correctly.

Check your information thoroughly

Misleading, incorrect or missing information is not only frustrating for the people who process or
refer to the information; it could have client service, financial, duty of care or reporting
implications for which your organisation is legally liable. If you are in rural or regional areas,
incorrect information could delay important processes that could severely affect your client.
If you are unsure how to fill out forms or complete documentation, always ask – don’t guess.

Section 1 activities

Workplace activity: Common forms and documents

List five documents or forms that you often complete in your workplace. Provide details of
these using a table like the one below.

Form/document title Purpose Who signs

Feedback
Your documents could include:
client registration forms, contact registers, client letters, case reports
purchase orders, invoices
 HR forms, leave forms, timesheets, rosters
meeting minutes, management reports
any other forms that you complete in your workplace.

Activity: Administrative protocols

This activity can be completed as described below, or you could look at other workplace
protocols that are relevant to your job and describe one of those instead. Make sure you
discuss it with your teacher or trainer first.
Find out about the protocols for purchasing supplies and equipment in your organisation and
complete the following:

1. Make a list of the documents used for purchases involving:

a. use of petty cash
b. ordering from a preferred supplier
c. obtaining quotes from suppliers
d. receiving goods on delivery
e. paying for goods and services.
2. List the staff members responsible for the approval/sign-off of the documentation needed for
each of these purchasing processes.

Activity: Select and complete forms

This activity can be completed using any of the example forms provided with this resource. You
could also use forms from your workplace – discuss this with your teacher or trainer first.

3. Find and complete a workplace form relating to each of following scenarios:

registering a client referred to your parenting course
recording your work hours
taking a new staff member through the induction process.
4. Write a brief statement identifying the protocols and procedures that apply.
5. Complete each form using fictional (made up) details.

If there is any part of the process that you are unsure of, or you don’t understand what details
are required by the form, ask your supervisor for advice.

Activity: Communicating your message

Choose two examples of written workplace communication and identify the following:
purpose
topic
format
audience.

Consider whether the selected documents are suited to their purpose? Could they be improved
in any way?

Feedback
Purpose should be stated in the content of the document.
Topic should be evident as a heading or introductory text.
Formats should describe whether it is a print or online document, formal or informal, a form,
letter or brochure.
Audience may be stated, or evident in the format, language and style of the communication.

Workplace activity: Organisational procedures

Choose two examples of workplace forms and identify the policies and procedures that apply.

Feedback
Your examples could have included:
Purchase order form – Purchasing policy, procedure for ordering stores
Consent form (under 18s) – Client management policy, client registration procedures
Hazard report form – WHS policy, procedure for reporting a hazard.
All of the forms that you complete in your workplace will be guided by policies and/or
procedures.