iprism cd rom

The Dr Margaret Lowenfeld Trust, with the aid of the Equitable Charitable Trust, has funded research projects using Poleidoblocs at Homerton College, Cambridge. One project studied the role of the supporting adult in promoting effective learning in young children about aspects of 3D shape. Nursery and Reception children carried out problem-solving tasks using Poleidoblocs, set in playful contexts.

The study analysed the structured adult intervention, and how this could increase the effectiveness of young children’s learning about 3D shapes. It also looked at how this learning could be transferred successfully into other learning contexts such as the classroom.

The iPrism CD-ROM was made in order to disseminate to practitioners the findings of this research. It aims to give teachers, learning support assistants, nursery nurses and other adults interested in children’s early learning of mathematics an interactive resource that relates research to practice. It is intended for individuals or small groups to use either for self study or for inservice training. The material is structured so that users can navigate their way freely through the content. The user can watch all of the material in any order, or just pick out selected highlights. The CD-ROM can also be used in conjunction with a data projector for larger audiences.

This resource is intended to stimulate both reflection and discussion. The design of the interface is flexible and friendly. For each area of learning about 3D shapes there’s a video of a researcher working with a child, and then a video of related classroom activities, with voice over commentary. The split screen text shows mathematical background, and research articles if you wish. The user just clicks and chooses which bits to see.

To acquire a copy of the CD-ROM, contact BEAM Education or visit their website at www.beam.co.uk

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