We use technology in our classroom. The students are welcome to use their calculators for everything. They are also required to use their calculators for specific topics. Everyone must have their own calculator because we do not have a classroom set. My class also uses clickers. However, we have not used them much.
My calculus class uses the computer lab. They have gone in there several times this semester to research mathematicians and make Prezi's. These have been really fun and interesting projects. These have also prepared them to make presentations and share with their peers in college. They really enjoy the break from the traditional classroom.
My action research is centered around motivation. My idea is that students become more motivated to work in a game-like setting. If we can make math fun, students will stay interested.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Parental Involvement
Since all three of my classes are full of seniors, I do not see much parental involvement. My mentor teacher has emailed home when Calculus students have not done any homework. Surprisingly, she did not receive too big of a response from parents.
My school also had a open house day. Parents were able to walk through their students' schedules and meet teachers. Of the three classes, we have about 44 students. Of these 44 students, only about 5 parents showed up for the open house.
Though this should be very outrageous and surprising, it is not. When I was in high school, my parents were not very involved in my academic life. They expected me to do my homework and pass my tests all on my own. My parents were really more involved and active with my sports life. I must remember that this is the case for several of my students.
We will all have those parents that want to know everything and check grades constantly. Then, we will also have those parents who don't ever want to hear from a teacher.
My school also had a open house day. Parents were able to walk through their students' schedules and meet teachers. Of the three classes, we have about 44 students. Of these 44 students, only about 5 parents showed up for the open house.
Though this should be very outrageous and surprising, it is not. When I was in high school, my parents were not very involved in my academic life. They expected me to do my homework and pass my tests all on my own. My parents were really more involved and active with my sports life. I must remember that this is the case for several of my students.
We will all have those parents that want to know everything and check grades constantly. Then, we will also have those parents who don't ever want to hear from a teacher.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Let's Assess
"Assessment" is a word that every single one of my students hate....well those that know what that word is. They all dread "test day." However, what they don' t realize is that they are assessed way more than they know. I assess my students everyday in several ways.
1. When we go through instruction, I am constantly monitoring my students and making sure they are getting it.
2. After we do a problem, I ask my students to do a "thumbs up/thumbs down" assessment.
3. I grade the papers my students turn in.
4. I look over the homework they turn in and see if they are getting these correct.
Overall, my students are being assessed way more than they know. Assessment is more than just a final exam.
1. When we go through instruction, I am constantly monitoring my students and making sure they are getting it.
2. After we do a problem, I ask my students to do a "thumbs up/thumbs down" assessment.
3. I grade the papers my students turn in.
4. I look over the homework they turn in and see if they are getting these correct.
Overall, my students are being assessed way more than they know. Assessment is more than just a final exam.
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