Interested in transforming the way you teach maths? Join us for Making Maths Matter, a two-part Professional Development day designed for secondary maths teachers to strengthen their knowledge, boost student engagement, and bring maths to life in the classroom.

Led by expert facilitators Michael Jennings and Oliva Jessop, these hands-on workshops will focus on building strong conceptual foundations, simplifying complex concepts, and making maths relevant and meaningful for every student. Learn practical strategies that align with QCAA guidelines and leave with actionable tools to help students build confidence, develop real-world problem-solving skills, and see the value of maths beyond the textbook.

 

What you will receive: You will receive a certificate of participation, access to all tools, websites and software used during the PD for teachers and students in the Education QLD Environment, a copy of teaching resources and ongoing educational support beyond the PD


 

Learning Objectives

  • Enhance discipline knowledge aligned with QCAA guidelines
  • Simplify complex maths concepts for accessible teaching
  • Emphasise procedural and conceptual maths skills
  • Develop strategies to make maths engaging and relevant
  • Prioritise deep conceptual understanding over rote learning

 

Schedule

8:45 am: Welcome

We will meet at the University of Queensland in Theatre (03-206) at the Global Change Institute.

9:00 am: Hands-on Workshops

  • Building Strong Foundations in Maths - Dr Michael Jennings will focus on creating a strong conceptual base, emphasising that teaching procedures without understanding fundamentals is ineffective. Participants will learn how to simplify complex concepts, align teaching with QCAA guidelines, and shift their classroom approach from rote teaching to deep, conceptual learning that empowers students to succeed.

10:30 am: Morning Tea

Enjoy morning tea in the Atrium.

11:00 am: Hands-on Workshops

  • Making Maths Meaningful Oliva Jessop will explore practical strategies to address one of the biggest challenges in maths education: students seeing maths as abstract and disconnected from real life. This workshop will provide teachers with tools to create engaging, relatable lessons that build student interest, confidence, and real-world application skills.

12:30 pm: Lunch

Enjoy a delicious lunch in the Atrium.

1:15 pm: Reflection

Revisit learning objectives and engage in a group discussion, sharing one key takeaway that you plan to implement today.

 

Registrations coming soon


 

 

 

About UQSchoolsNet Professional Development workshops

Discover the endless learning possibilities that only a UQSchoolsNet Professional Development workshop in technology can offer, in workshops led by world-class researchers at the University of Queensland.

For more information

Venue

The University of Queensland St Lucia campus

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