Overview

This part introduces work on scaling mathematics problems. Scaling involves creating mathematically similar problems that may vary in difficulty, framing, and context. This kind of work may be known by other names, such as modifying or adapting. In this module, the term scaling is used to purposefully emphasize the work to preserve mathematical connections between the original and new versions of the problem.

Scaling is necessary for a number of reasons, including:

• supporting students who encounter initial difficulties, need more practice, or would benefit from an extension
• focusing more precisely on a particular mathematical issue

Key Points

Scaling well is crucial because it provides access for all students to the same mathematics even when engaging with different forms of a problem. There are ways in which teachers can scale problems and there are many factors that teachers consider when scaling, but primary emphasis must be given to the mathematics that can be learned.