Browse a module:

  1. Student-led Inquiry
  2. Tackling Unstructured Problems
  3. Learning Concepts Through IBL
  4. Questions that Promote Reasoning
  5. Students Working Collaboratively
  6. Building on What Students Already Know
  7. Self and Peer Assessment

Download complete modules:

Module 1:ZIP 273MB Module 2:ZIP 275MB
Module 3:ZIP 180MB Module 4:ZIP 132MB
Module 5:ZIP 85MB Module 6:ZIP 510MB
Module 7:ZIP 109MB
All modules together:ZIP ~1.6GB

Install the software applets:

Windows installer:MSI (10MB)

About These Modules

These modules explore some of the pedagogical challenges that arise when introducing investigative, non-routine problem solving activities to the classroom.

The modules are activity-based; built around a collection of example classroom activities. The intention is that, as part of the Professional Development (PD) process, teachers will plan inquiry-based lessons to use with their own class and, at a later meeting, report back on their experiences.

Each module includes a PD session guide and handouts for teachers, as well as sample classroom materials and suggested lesson plans. Several of the lessons include the use of simple computer software.

Also included are several video sequences showing teachers trying these materials with their own classes. These form a stimulating basis for discussion during the PD sessions.

The modules have been compiled for PRIMAS from professional development materials developed by the Shell Centre team at the Centre for Research in Mathematics Education, University of Nottingham. These materials were originally written for two projects:

Technical Requirements

These pages require a web browser with Javascript and Adobe Flash Player 9 or newer to use the video and software.

The software applets can be browsed as part of each module. If you want to install them separately on students' machines you can download the set (and more) as a Windows installer (MSI). Alternatively, they are availavble in browser-based format for any system that supports Flash.

If you plan a lesson using software, please check that the software is installed and working before the lesson. Remember to check that it works from student machines and user accounts.

Note, however, that all of the print materials are available in .DOC and .PDF form, so the sessions can be conducted without a computer or internet connection (although the videos are highly recommended).

Note: Most popular browsers are dropping support for the Flash format after December 2020, so you may not be able to play the videos on this site. Since there is currently no ongoing funding to support updating these materials, fixing this is low priority. However, very similar materials can be found in a Flash-free format on the Bowland Maths website. and at the Mathematics Assessment Project

Please contact Shell.Centre@mathshell.org.uk to register your interest if you are regularly using these materials.