Today in class, we talked more about differentiated learning, but more specifically about how to create an environment that works for everybody. To me, the environment should be safe and inclusive which would allow all students to feel comfortable, be able to ask questions and be wrong without being embarrassed. This sounds good in theory, but how can someone achieve this? Some possible ideas include utilizing personal white boards, as they allow students the safety to fully erase their answers, as well as the idea of "Pairing and Sharing". This means students turn to their elbow partner, to either work together or even just compare answers. Students then gain confidence in the fact that at least one other person is thinking like them, and in reality, makes more students participate in class. Liisa also gave us a list of positive norms in a math class which I think are quite valuable.
In case it is a little too small to read, the norms state:
1) Everyone can learn math to the highest level
2) Mistakes are valuable
3) Questions are really important
4) Math is about creativity and making sense
5) Math is about communicating
6) Depth is much more important than speed
7) Math class is about learning not performing
To me, a few of these resonate more than others. First, mistakes are valuable ! I personally find that the questions I make mistakes on the first time, are the ones I remember longer. These mistakes usually mean I need something explained deeper, which means I'll understand it better than something I just followed a formula for. Therefore, I will understand why something is the way it is. This means I can logically understand why I am doing a formula, and will remember the concept even once I leave the classroom. This also ties to point number 4- Math is about creativity and making sense. If students are able to come up with the correct answer in a creative way, it means they are understanding it in a way that makes sense to them. Just because they didn't remember a certain formula, doesn't mean they don't understand the concept. It means, they understand the deeper meaning, and there brains may work differently. This is actually a wonderful thing as it indicates they have problem solving skills, which to me are much more important than memory skills. Lastly, I love the point that math class is about learning and not performing. I sincerely hope I will one day be able to get that across to my class. I don't care how many mistakes are made, or how slowly I need to go through things, as long as every student is able to learn something.
In the end, my students are going to remember how they felt in math class, more than how much they learned. Therefore, a safe, inviting environment will be much more important than the concepts, and is something I will strive for everyday.
Hi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI found that number 2 on the list of norms (making mistakes are valuable) was one of the norms that resonated with me too! I think it is so important to implement a growth mindset where students feel comfortable enough to share their mistakes, and see that it is in fact a learning experience for them as well as others around them. More often than not, students get embarrassed and shy when their answer is wrong. So, I really like your idea of using the white boards or "pairing and sharing" to try and combat that fear. It is very true that students are more likely to share their answers if they know that someone else came to the same conclusion. It seems like you have a solid plan to implement some of the practices in your future classroom!
All the best,
Mary Hoang