I CAN Learn Lab

        I had two classes of 8th graders in an I CAN Learn Lab my first year teaching.  Every student had their own computer and worked through the lessons at their own pace.  They started each lesson with a pre-test, and if they missed one question they had to go through the lesson.  They watched a video, had tutoring, did independent practice, and took a quiz.  If they missed more than 3 out of 10 questions, they went back through the whole process, but they were given different problems to work. 

         This was great for so many reasons.  I didn't have to grade anything besides their notebooks, and I didn't have to plan for anything.  I didn't have to make tests or worksheets or try to find creative ways to engage the students.  The computers did all that for me, which was a life saver my first year.  It was also a huge help with classroom management.  All the kids had to wear headphones, and so the room was generally easy to deal with.  I could pull students off the computers to work with me individually, and it wouldn't disrupt the rest of the class.

        And, the lessons actually worked.  The students really did learn a lot.  In the 9th grade Algebra I classes, the passing rate is generally more than 95%.

        The only downside is that the lab costs $300,000 for 3 years.  In the Delta, the schools are overflowing with money, so this isn't an issue.  I'm in Jackson now, and they laughed in my face when I suggested the school purchase an I CAN Learn lab.  I think it was worth every penny.

Calculators in the Classroom

        I was originally against calculators, like most math teachers.  I have since then changed my view.  If a student reaches my class and is not able to add, sorry, but I'm going to teach Algebra.  I can either be the 10th teacher to attempt to teach the kid how to add, or I can try to teach them more advanced math with the use of a calculator.  A student can understand equations and formulas and polynomials and graphing and still have trouble adding.

        Part of my change in attitude is due to the fact that I teach a state tested subject area.  If I didn't teach Algebra, I would definitely spend more time on the basics.  Last year, I had a total of 7 calculators for all my students to share, so they had to practice their basics everyday.  This year, I need them to pass that state test.  Plain and simple, the students can't graduate if they don't pass that test.  I can't spend all year on the prerequisites they didn't master.  The calculators allow me to get the students through the objectives much faster.

        I allow the students to use calculators everyday.  However, I teach them how to solve problems by hand first without using any programs.  I show them the programs as a means for checking their answers.  When I assess their knowledge of a topic, I don't just check to see that they can use a calculator program.  I have them write about what they learn, or discuss the steps they have to take to solve a problem.  I have them look at problems with mistakes as well, and they have to identify where the mistake is.

        Many students don't use a calculator, which is fine, but as their teacher, I want to make sure I give them all the tools they need to be successful in my class and on the state test.