Training Day

Had training yesterday with my math colleagues about the new core standards and the standards for mathematical practice. Went really well for the most part. We had great conversations about things.

One topic really sat with me that our district leader told us about. The idea of having a "fixed mindset" versus a "growth mindset". Statements like "I was never good at Algebra" versus "I am not confident in Algebra but I am seeing improvement.". I would like more info about this as it intrigues me.

Students continue to have good conversations. Right now however, I am not seeing a lot of homework done outside the classroom. They seem to be cheating the system by just working on the 4 graded ones done in class. However, I ask if that is a bad thing or not because their willingness to share is still great.

So exam scores were outstanding!  Some of the highest class averages I have had in years.  So I formed new groups just to keep students talking to new students, and had some quieter classes the past 2 days.  Once they get started talking in new groups, I think it will go fine.

Have you heard of the Kuta software?  Check it out at kutasoftware.com there are free worksheets to use in your class that are sorted by topic.  We got lucky here at Cherokee Trail, our math department purchased a three year site license and today learned how to operate the software.

I made a worksheet of 14 problems related to last class and today's lesson in about 10 minutes, including copy time.  These worksheet just aided to group discussions and allowed me to roam around the room and help students with questions.  I highly recommend utilizing this in your classes.

A new question surfaced for me, how can I continue to get meaningful discussion on a day to day basis?  My 2A class is awesome at it right now, they have figured out that participating helps their learning, but also makes the class go by quicker.  My 1B class is still waking up I think, but have made great strides in discussions.  I hope it continues!

Welcome all Geo/Trig teachers!!!

I decided to start a blog to help me share my experiences in my classroom trying to incorporate the new 8 Standards of Mathematical Practices.  I hope you enjoy my ramblings as I progress throughout this school year.  I wanted a place to learn, share, vent and just reflect on my changes in my classroom.

My first post deals with how my classroom has been transformed into a great group learning structure that is new to me.  The students are arranged in groups of 4, and have the ability to share how they solve problems we look at in class, or how they solved homework problems.  So far the conversations are going fantastic, and I could not be more pleased with how things are going.  Yesterday, I even had a student say how much she loved coming to math class because it is so much fun to share and learn from each other.  I guess my biggest question is, will this transform their understanding into better test scores?  I guess I will see soon, as our first exam is this Thursday and Friday.

Thanks for reading, and please feel free to comment as I always need help with new ideas and things to try.  Happy teaching!!!