The Classroom!
"If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you." -Zig Ziglar
Embedded Files
A Thinking Classroom
Originally developed in the 1990’s, Thinking Classrooms are a method of teaching mathematics that encourage and enable students to explore concepts and be guided through material, rather than directly instructed from a “top-down” method. Research was showing that many students quickly forgot or did not truly understand what they were taught in a lecture-style classroom, falling into a mimicking role, and were unable to apply the skills learned to different questions and situations. The “Thinking Classroom” model aims to get away from learning without understanding, by engaging students in active participation.
What does class look like?
● Students work collaboratively to solve problems and work through concepts.
● Sometimes students are given an open-ended task that requires them to draw on past knowledge and take risks to find new solutions using concepts they already know.
● New concepts are introduced in a “thin-slicing” method. This means that I, as their teacher, guide students through the basic concept and then very gradually give more difficult questions that students can explore with the same ideas to solidify understanding.
● Work is done in groups, on whiteboards, so that students can ask classmates questions and have opportunities to share their knowledge.
● I float from group to group to assist students when they are struggling, giving them hints, pushing for deeper understanding, and making sure each individual is contributing and engaged in the mathematics
● At the end of the board work, we come together to summarize and solidify the ideas that were discovered, and I provide missed information so that all material is covered.
● The last part of class, students are provided opportunities for practice (Check Your Understanding) to verify they can now work the problems on their own.
● Outside of class, students watch and take notes on a direct instruction video I've made to solidify what they did in class and help pull concepts together.
Why does this work?
● Human beings are curious. When we discover something for ourselves, we are much more likely to internalize it and be able to apply it to different scenarios.
● Being able to do something is the basic level of understanding. Beyond this, being able to justify, explain, teach, and create the ideas learned enhances understanding even more.
The weekly agenda is posted on the side board.
There are many different types of activities you can use to further sharpen your skills and challenge yourself.
In the Student Center, you can find everything you need. Mailboxes for materials to pick up (sorted by groups), a place to turn in your work, extra copies of worksheets, note packets, etc., and office supplies (scissors, glue, markers, pencil sharpener, etc.).
On this flow chart, you can see that I EXPECT you to make mistakes; it's part of the learning process. The big question you need to ask yourself is this:
"Once I make a mistake, then what? What will I, as the student, do about it?"
Google Classroom
Google Classroom
We will be utilizing Google Classroom to house any pdf files that students might want/need access to
All students should be automatically added to my classes.
For all content, announcements, and details of your class, please visit your Google Classroom.
Mrs. Preston's Flipped Classroom (click to hear from Mrs. Preston!)
Our classroom will be utilizing a flipped model. To make the most of your time in class as well as out of class, watch this video to help you prepare for what you'll need to do to be successful. You got this!
Page updated
Report abuse