For my action plan in regards to increasing my knowledge of real-world problems, the resources that I will need are colleagues, math forums, math journals, and reading up on popular things that incorporate mathematics i.e. sports statistics, amusement park rides, and gaming strategy. The information that I will need to gather is how mathematics are incorporated in the real-world activities. I will also need to help finding ways to simplify the mathematics, so the students will be able to attempt the problem and not get lost in the complexity. The step that I have taken so far is looking for resources. I have already received a helpful website from Sonia Bannon (Thanks) that will provide some nice real-world applications for my class.
For my second indicator to increase student reflection, I will need aid in developing a decent questionnaire for my students. I will also like to research other teachers' approaches when it comes to reviewing the students' reflections because I have never done it before. The most important thing that I will need to do is figure out how to create the time (yes create time) to implement these into my classroom. The step that I have taken so far is looking at examples of questionnaires that others have developed for similar reasons and determining how I could ask similar questions for my specific topic.
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Erus,
ReplyDeleteI make students write reflections everyday during the last 3-5 minutes of class. I ask that they write down what they have learned and to apply the knowledge to another problem. I make students write these refelctions in their notebook (journal) and collect them every month. I use this as a dialogue journal and try to provoke a conversation that will last all year with the student. I write to them using the inside cover to keep things a little more personal. I discuss their successes, failures, struggles, and issues. It seems to work and does not require that much time. Hope that helps!
I appreciate the suggestion for the reflections. I think that would save a lot of class time. I could probably expand that and use a blog site for my students that I could check on weekly or bimonthly (I am not a fan of collecting journals or notebooks... too much to take home). Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteYou are very clear on what you need to do and know exactly what you need to do. You have some really good ideas and I am glad to hear that you were already able to obtain some resources. Time is always an issue for everything and I am sure it would eat up a lot of time at first to get the kids used to reflecting.
ReplyDeleteErus,
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned about how to simplifying math problems. One resource that you might want to look into is the special educator. There have been times that concepts have been too difficult for my general education students to grasp and follow. The special educator usually teaches the same concepts, but in a more concrete or simplified manner. Once the students get the initial concept, you can then increase the difficulty when they are ready.
Meghan
Amber,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliments. I hope the whole plan goes as well if not better. I will figure out the time thing. It will just have to be a trial and error thing.
Meghan,
Thanks for the suggestion. It will also help some of my special ed students in my team taught classes.