I have thought about all of my sensed needs. I have been looking at things that would support all of these ideas. I think that I am going to informally implement some ideas that I've read about for motivating kids to read through self selected books. I also am going to set up a differentiation math center with games and other resources that will support students at the place that they are at. I usually am able to find a math support person somewhere to help me during math teaching and work time. In the past I have found a parent, high school students, or even an AmeriCorps teacher. I am going to look into the high school student this year again. This will help me give extra support to the students that need it.
The sensed need that I am going to pursue for my AR is an extension of the one I did the first time. I would like to look into how I can follow each student's progress in math along the way. I will not rely on an end of the unit test. I am thinking that I may not even use the tests for this process. I am very excited to see where this leads me.
I like that you are thinking about continuing your research from your previous AR. It sounds interesting. A group of teachers in my building is working on putting together "I can..." statements for our math standards to help focus on students putting ownership into their learning. Someone had mentioned to me that you did something similar for your first AR research. Will you continue with these statements? Also, you mentioned not using end of unit tests, what would you use instead?
ReplyDeleteKatrina, I am looking forward to developing my idea further. There is a lot of information about learning targets being talked about in districts I've visited with. When I did this this year it was very evident throughout the unit where my student understanding was. I found that the two times I did give an end of unit assessment, I already knew what the test ended up telling me. Then I felt like I wasted a whole day of math instruction giving the test when I could have been either moving on, or supporting those that needed it.
DeleteThis is a lot to think through, but I am very excited about continuing.
That sounds great! I like the idea of bringing in a high school student to help. I think our high school students need more valueble experiences that are authenic. Its great for all involved. I look forward to seeing how you will monitor your students progress without tests, are you using a portfolio?
ReplyDeleteSam,
DeleteI usually can get a high school student to come down to my building for math. It works out so great for me. I have them watch how I teach math every day, and then they can take a couple of students who need extra support for work time.
I haven't really thought about the portfolio, but that is a great idea! Thanks!