SMILE

SMILE (Secondary Mathematics Individualised Learning Experience) was a UK project arising in the 1970s intended to enable a more individualised journey through mathematics for students. Collectives of teachers developed and reviewed individual activities (cards) that students could complete at their own pace with some requiring working with a partner.

Povey (2014) describes her experience being involved.

Moving from a bite-sized curriculum focus for her cards to more problem solving/discovery
a project driven by consensus not traditional elected hierarchies
a project based on respect for teachers
if starting over, would include emphasise more whole class activities
fondly recalling the excitement of young people working co-operatively and independently in SMILE classrooms
a vision of "co-operation, mathematical excitement, mutuality and real learning"

Available resources#

Website provides access to cards, booklets and supplementary materials from the project in the following collections

Number
Algebra
Shape and space
Handling data

For example, area and perimeter with three packs with multiple cards.

A quick look suggests some utility, but not a lot that would be describes as low-floor-high-ceiling-wide-walls#mathematics. Though some are better. But the idea of providing student choice, might be interesting.

References#

Povey, H. (2014). The origins and continued life of SMILE mathematics. Mathematics Teaching, 241, 5--7.