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 digits, such as
!"# $ %!&, it is important to know how to add numbers with 'ust one digit or two such as
% $ " or !( $ ").
*y the same token, before learning pre+algebra, a good understanding of basic
mathematics is important. ,nd before learning algebra, a solid understanding of pre+
algebra is a must. -n 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.
/he following tips are 'ust my advices
0lan a regular time to study
1hoose a quiet place where you will not be distracted.
2hen you study, try to study an entire lesson, or an entire chapter.
2hen you finish a whole lesson or a whole chapter, it may leave you with a great
feeling of accomplishment
2hen you feel sleepy, take a short break3 you will not learn much, if anything if you
are not alert.
Mathematical 0rocesses
0roblem 4olving
5easoning and 0roving
5eflecting
4electing /ools and 1omputational 4trategies
1onnecting
5epresenting
1ommunicating
Why it is important to enae st!"ents in mathematical processes
Even if you6ve stopped growing physically, you certainly haven6t stopped growing mentally
and emotionally. 7or 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 many8and
often surprising8forms. *ut no matter how it appears, learning is forever and learning is
for the future.
-t is important that students see mathematics as sensible, useful, and doable
THE PROCESSES OF MATHEMATICS
5easoning
9ustify why an answer or approach to a problem is reasonable3
Make and test generali:ations based upon investigation or observation3
Make predictions or draw conclusions from available information3
,naly:e statements and provide e;amples which support or refute them3
9udge the validity of arguments by applying inductive
<%=
and deductive
<!=
thinking3
<%=
inductive> inference by reasoning from the specific to the general.
<!=
deductive> inference by reasoning from the general to the specific.
?se supporting data to e;plain why a chosen method used and a solution are
mathematically correct.
1onnections
-dentify and use the relationships among mathematical concepts as a basis for learning
additional concepts3
-dentify the relationships among graphical, numerical, physical, and algebraic
mathematical models and concepts3
-dentify mathematical concepts and processes as they apply to other content areas3
?se mathematical concepts and processes to translate personal e;periences into
mathematical language.
1ommunications
?se multiple representations to e;press mathematical concepts and solutions3
5epresent problem situations and e;press their solutions using pictorial, tabular,
graphical, and algebraic methods3
?se mathematical language and symbolism appropriately3
@escribe situations mathematically by providing mathematical ideas and evidence in
written form3
0resent results in written form.
0roblem 4olving
?se information to identify and define the question<s= within a problem3
Make a plan and decide what information and steps are needed to solve the problem3
1hoose the appropriate operation<s= for a given problem situation3
4elect 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= perspectives3
Argani:e, interpret, and use relevant information3
4elect and use appropriate tools and technology3
4how that no solution or multiple solutions may e;ist3
-dentify alternate ways to find a solution3
,pply what was learned to a new problem.
INFORMATION SHEET #1#
Workplace $orms an" "oc!ments
Most business operations rely on complete and accurate workplace documents for
communication, information management and record keeping. Bour role may require you to
write emails and letters, and complete documents and reports.
%etermine a!thorisations an" permissions
Bou might prepare documents to be signed by delegated persons, or be authorised to sign
certain documents yourself. 4ome information is protected by privacy and confidentiality
policies that determine who can see it.
I"enti$y any r!les an" $ormats that apply
Arganisations are often specific about how to present formal correspondence and case
management notes, as well as reporting and record keeping, including for legal purposes.
2orkplace guidelines, templates and forms are often provided to ensure that these tasks are
completed correctly.
&heck yo!r in$ormation thoro!hly
Misleading, incorrect or missing information is not only frustrating for the people who process or
refer to the information3 it could have client service, financial, duty of care or reporting
implications for which your organisation is legally liable. -f you are in rural or regional areas,
incorrect information could delay important processes that could severely affect your client.
-f you are unsure how to fill out forms or complete documentation, always ask dont guess.
Section 1 acti'ities
Workplace acti'ity( &ommon $orms an" "oc!ments
List five documents or forms that you often complete in your workplace. 0rovide details of
these using a table like the one below.
FormCdocument title 0urpose 2ho signs
Fee")ack
Bour documents could include>
client registration forms, contact registers, client letters, case reports
purchase orders, invoices
D5 forms, leave forms, timesheets, rosters
meeting minutes, management reports
any other forms that you complete in your workplace.
Acti'ity( A"ministrati'e protocols
/his activity can be completed as described below, or you could look at other workplace
protocols that are relevant to your 'ob 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>
%. 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.
!. List the staff members responsible for the approvalCsign+off of the documentation needed for
each of these purchasing processes.
Acti'ity( Select an" complete $orms
/his activity can be completed using any of the e;ample forms provided with this resource. Bou
could also use forms from your workplace E discuss this with your teacher or trainer first.
. 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.
(. 2rite a brief statement identifying the protocols and procedures that apply.
". 1omplete each form using fictional <made up= details.
-f there is any part of the process that you are unsure of, or you don6t understand what details
are required by the form, ask your supervisor for advice.
Acti'ity( &omm!nicatin yo!r messae
1hoose two e;amples of written workplace communication and identify the following>
purpose
topic
format
audience.
1onsider whether the selected documents are suited to their purposeF 1ould they be improved
in any wayF
Fee")ack
0urpose should be stated in the content of the document.
/opic should be evident as a heading or introductory te;t.
Formats should describe whether it is a print or online document, formal or informal, a form,
letter or brochure.
,udience may be stated, or evident in the format, language and style of the communication.
Workplace acti'ity( Oranisational proce"!res
1hoose two e;amples of workplace forms and identify the policies and procedures that apply.
Fee")ack
Bour e;amples could have included>
0urchase order form E 0urchasing policy, procedure for ordering stores
1onsent form <under %&s= E 1lient management policy, client registration procedures
Da:ard report form E 2D4 policy, procedure for reporting a ha:ard.
,ll of the forms that you complete in your workplace will be guided by policies andCor
procedures.