I met with three of my colleagues and discussed with them what I am trying to implement in math class. I informed them my goal was to find a way to incorporate writing in the math class in an effort of supporting students learning and assessing what they know/don’t know. However with that calls on an additional task for teachers, reading and evaluating the students writing. For the first dilemma, ensuring that teachers have adequate support with giving feedback, and finding time for writing to occur in the classrooms. From the discussion with my colleagues, the following suggestions and comments came about:
Instead of daily reflections I will have it where students explain their thinking at least three times a week. Making sure that teachers are provided with several samples of feedback as well as literature that speaks on effective feedback. Allowing some journals to be electronic using google drive. I want to continue to research to see other fun/creative ways to incorporate writing in the math class. Also, I will create rubrics that students will use to aid them with their feedback.
Not changing:
I will not change my push for writing to be implemented in math class, even if it does not occur everyday. At least once a week.
- Math and writing are separate content areas, so many teachers pull away from it especially because of how students struggle in writing. She felt that adding in in the classrooms will only frustrate them
- If incorporated it must be consistent in order for it to become a habit for the students
- Incorporating writing is a great idea, it will allow for teachers to see their students thinking, and communicate with them individually.
- Make writing fun is key! Come up with a cool approach to the writing time during math. Such as writing a secret code that will crack open their knowledge
- Use Google Docs, allow students to journal so that way both the teacher and student can have live feedback and communication
- Students can also use Google drive to create PowerPoint of their journals so that it tells a story of the concept/skill learned
- Include a rubric as a guide to show them how their writing will be evaluated
- Present to teachers sample rubric and work that has teacher feedback so that they have a tool to use as they prepare for their feedback
- Make it a participation grade so that students actually participate in writing.
- Writing is boring
- I do not know how to write
- Its hard explaining my thinking
- As long as we don’t write everyday its fine
- I like using technology, because if I spell something wrong I can do spell check
- It will be a great way for me to share my struggles with my teacher without everybody knowing.
Instead of daily reflections I will have it where students explain their thinking at least three times a week. Making sure that teachers are provided with several samples of feedback as well as literature that speaks on effective feedback. Allowing some journals to be electronic using google drive. I want to continue to research to see other fun/creative ways to incorporate writing in the math class. Also, I will create rubrics that students will use to aid them with their feedback.
Not changing:
I will not change my push for writing to be implemented in math class, even if it does not occur everyday. At least once a week.