COUNTING ON Program

Counting On is a program to support students who are experiencing difficulty  in achieving mathematical outcomes for their stage. Initially a diagnostic interview is carried out with students on a one to one basis to identify each student's method of solving a range of tasks. The assessment, which takes approximately 15 minutes to administer, is videotaped with parental permission so that the student responses can be analysed.

• Counting On strategies recognise the value of mental computation in developing a rich understanding of place value and our number system. The teaching approach is problem based. Students are routinely engaged in applying Counting On strategies to help solve arithmetical problems, which are quite challenging.
  
• The intent of the program is to build the professional knowledge of teachers to assist them in addressing the learning needs of the students.
  
• The program originally operated on a team basis and required the co-operation of feeder primary schools working with high schools. Each team comprised a head teacher, Year 7 classroom teachers, the support teacher learning difficulties and the district mathematics consultant.
  
• Counting On strategies that were developed through training are applied in the classroom through group work. At the end of a ten week period of comprehensive implementation, the students are retested.
  
• Findings: On retesting, the results were very positive with over 70% of students improving a level (and in some cases two) in multiplication and division and over 90% maintained consistent or improved levels in place value.
  
• The benefits to the students involved in this program have not only been displayed in quantitative results, as this program facilitates the development of self- esteem and builds confidence and enthusiasm in mathematics. This is evident in the survey responses collected from the students involved in the program.
  
• Future Directions: Following from the success of the Counting On program in 2002 Endeavour Sports High School has continued with a Year 7 Counting On class. Through sharing of resources with other schools, in 2003 we implemented support for a Year 8 class.
  
• Counting On techniques are being written into other maths programs and resources and materials are now sufficiently developed to cater to classes in all years.