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SMILE

See also: mathematical-mindsets, teaching-mathematics

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.