Sitting in a staff meeting… Teachers seated in the audience, a select group of people at the front leading the meeting dispensing information. Information that may be important to know yet an inefficient way to accomplish the task. That day I remember one statement – emphatically declared that sat like an irritating pebble in myContinue reading “This is transformative…”
Category Archives: Student Learning
Online Courses – What makes them work for you?
If you were asked, “Identify ten ingredients for an effective and meaningful online course.”,what would you include as essential? Have you taken an online course? What worked for you? What were the challenges? Share your insights, thoughts, and wishes when it comes to online learning. I am curious to hear from students, teachers, parents, and others.Continue reading “Online Courses – What makes them work for you?”
Making Meaning
Several years ago, Jo Boloar’s course ‘How to Learn Math’, included a video clip, of Sebastian Thrun speaking about his approach to problem solving and math. I felt a spark of recognition and a sighed with relief to hear him say that we should not move ahead with a problem until we understand it intuitively; that weContinue reading “Making Meaning”
That Moment
Jo Boaler’s course titled: How to Learn Math, inspired me as a math teacher and learner. This course challenged me to think of ways to include Number Talks as part of my online course for grade three students. One way I have done this, is by developing Three Act Math lessons* in the form of videos to promoteContinue reading “That Moment”
One Common Thread
What a week this has been! So much to think about. On Monday Martin Brokenleg engaged us all as he spoke about the Circle of Courage: The spirit of Belonging: I am loved, The spirit of Mastery: I can succeed, The Spirit of Independence: I have the power to make decisions, and the Spirit of Generosity: IContinue reading “One Common Thread”
Thoughts on Student Assessment
Will this assessment help me to identify student’s needs as learners? Will it help me to guide next steps? These questions swirl around my brain. See that determined orange tabby climbing higher to to new levels? That’s what I want for my students. Recently this phrase, caught my attention, actionable feedback. Feedback kids know theyContinue reading “Thoughts on Student Assessment”
Mathematical Curiosity
Curiosity – Can you think of a time when you or your kids were mathematically curious? When it comes to math it seems that we focus on knowledge not on curiosity. Jo Boaler’s course interviewed several speakers who have a passion for math, people who have what she calls an ‘inquiry relationship’ with math. ComputerContinue reading “Mathematical Curiosity”
Teacher Language Matters
As I listened to examples of number talks in the math classroom, this stands out, teacher language matters. “I think I heard you say.” “How did you know you should have…..” “Where do you think your mistake came from?” “So you are saying…” “How did you figure that out?” “Do we see it another way?”Continue reading “Teacher Language Matters”
Creating Safe Places to Take Risks for Learning
What messages will you give your students about the value of mistakes as we learn? Mistakes, fertile ground for growth. Live on the learning edge – don’t be afraid to make a mistake. The path of learning is littered with mistakes – thank goodness! Mistakes are the stepping stones to learning. If you can’t makeContinue reading “Creating Safe Places to Take Risks for Learning”
Taking on the Challenge
And the moral of the story is…. Ugh! A didactic tale can fall flat. With little meaningful connection to the story the message is seldom remembered or lost to the reader. You may identify with this. I for one, recognize this didactic interaction not only in books but in my classroom. Lesson 4 of How toContinue reading “Taking on the Challenge”
Explore Learn Share 