Facilitating Middle Secondary Modelling Competencies

One method of engaging secondary students in mathematics classes is through taking a real world modelling approach to teaching, beginning in the middle years (Years 8/9) and developing students’ modelling abilities into the senior secondary years. This chapter documents a case study in an Australian secondary school where such an approach is being established. The purpose is to provide an approach where Year 9 students experience a sense of success pivotal to their continued engagement with the modelling process. As the aim is that students have well developed modelling skills within a classroom context by Year 11, students’ handling of transitions between phases of the modelling process are of particular interest. From intensive analysis of student responses whilst undertaking two extended tasks, a framework is developed for identifying student blockages during transitions.