Alleviating the problem of Key Skills in Pure Mathematics modules using ICT

There has been much debate around the “value” of Key Skills and the ability to incorporate them into existing schemes of work at AS/A level. This article attempts to investigate the case of Pure Mathematics and to consider how the use of ICT could assist teachers in alleviating the current problems of incorporating Key Skills into their teaching schemes ‘without distorting the integrity of individual subjects…’. This article proposes a computer-mediated solution to the problem surrounding the incorporation of problem-solving and information technology into the Advanced Level mathematics curriculum. It demonstrates that by using the functional programming language Zeno – which permits pupils to manipulate both the real and complex planes using a Logo-like functional programming language – pupils can solve mathematical problems of relevance to any Advanced Level mathematics syllabus, without compromising mathematical integrity. The journals generated automatically in the system contain rich evidence for inclusion in the Key Skills portfolio for both problem-solving and IT. However it is worth noting that the pupils’ problem-solving skills (conjecturing, testing, generalising, controlling variables, working systematically, asking “what would happen if…?” questions and so on) have to be inferred from the content of the journal. In the current system the construct ‘problem-solving’ cannot be ‘measured’ although developments in this area are being investigated.…