Why Fluency Matters: The Evidence
In modern mathematics education, fluency is far more than just speed. It is defined by the National Mathematics Advisory Panel as "the ability to perform mathematical procedures accurately, efficiently, and flexibly."
"Working memory is a limited resource. When students haven't mastered basic facts, their working memory is overwhelmed by the calculation, leaving no room for the actual logic of the problem." — Based on Cognitive Load Theory (John Sweller)
Cognitive & Academic Growth
- Predicts Performance: Fact retrieval speed is consistently cited by researchers as a strong predictor of success in high-stakes standardised testing.
- Enhanced Reasoning: When basic relationships (like those found in our Number Properties levels) are internalised, students notice deeper patterns in number relationships.
Practical Life Skills
- Real-World Numeracy: From managing finances to creative problem-solving in the workplace, efficiency in calculation is a vital life skill.
- Daily Momentum: Just 10 minutes of daily deliberate practice on PerciGo can prevent the "forgetting curve" and lead to permanent mastery.
Procedural Fluency Without Roadblocks
A free, high-urgency maths tool designed by a Perth-based educator for Australian classrooms.
No Roadblocks
Too often, great resources are hidden behind credit card forms or complex logins. PerciGo is community-supported, ensuring students spend their time practising maths, not troubleshooting passwords.
Speed & Urgency
Accuracy is only half the battle. By using timed tests, we prompt students to move beyond slow calculation towards true automaticity and fluency.
Privacy First
We store zero data on our servers. Student progress remains on their device or in your private Google Sheet, meeting the highest standards of data security.
Building the "Daily Habit" of Maths
In the modern classroom, every minute counts. One issue often seen with educational software is a lack of urgency; a student might answer ten questions, but it takes them ten minutes. PerciGo addresses this by focusing on High-Velocity Mastery.
"Procedural fluency is more than just getting the right answer. It is the ability to choose and use mathematical skills flexibly, accurately, and efficiently." — Inspired by the National Mathematics Advisory Panel
Flexible Classroom Modes
Whether you have 1:1 devices or just a single interactive whiteboard, PerciGo fits your workflow. Use Choral Mode for a high-energy whole-class warm-up before the recess bell, or Review Mode to gauge retention of previously taught content.
Data-Driven Differentiation
The PerciGo Google Sheets integration allows teachers to see the ability level of every student in a single glance. This instant feedback loop makes it easy to identify students in need of intervention or those ready for higher-level challenges.
The PerciGo Achievement Standard
We use tiered achievements to provide internal motivation without the distraction of "avatar shops" or virtual economies:
- ⭐ Star: Aligns with the 50th percentile. A solid baseline for the year level.
- 🥇 Medal: Aligns with the 70th percentile. Demonstrates reliable proficiency and speed.
- 🏆 Trophy: Aligns with the 85th percentile. High-level fluency capable of supporting complex problem-solving.
- 💎 Diamond: The ultimate challenge. Total accuracy at high velocity—attained when a student matches the speed of the site creator.
References & Academic Standards
Cognitive Load Theory & Automaticity
PerciGo’s focus on daily repetition is based on Cognitive Load Theory, which states that because working memory is limited, students must automate basic tasks to free up mental resources for higher-order reasoning.
Source: Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving. Cognitive Science.
Evidence-Based Maths Instruction
Evidence for Learning (E4L) research indicates that students should develop a "fluent" recall of number facts to allow them to focus on more complex tasks, recommending that teachers provide frequent, short periods of practice.
Source: Evidence for Learning. Improving Maths in Primary & Secondary. E4L Australia.
Defining Mathematical Fluency
The definition of fluency as being "accurate, efficient, and flexible" is the global benchmark for maths education, ensuring students don't just calculate quickly, but understand which strategies to apply.
Source: National Mathematics Advisory Panel. (2008). Foundations for Success: The Final Report. U.S. Dept of Education.
Australian Curriculum Alignment
All activities and mastery tiers are mapped to the Australian Curriculum v9.0 proficiency strands, specifically the 'Fluency' and 'Number' content descriptors for Years F-8.
Standard: ACARA. (2022). Australian Curriculum: Mathematics v9.0.