ImagineIT: Spring
Update 2:
Looking back on my ImagineIT Spring Timeline, there are portions that have been implemented, others added and some pushed back. Creating a timeline allows me to reflect on my progress and see if I am on the right track and how my thinking has changed during the process. Students have started their Genius Project which was added to my timeline. After reading their first semester reflections, I chose to add this project. Reading my students’ brainstorming and proposal responses made me realize that I made the right decision. They have brainstormed ideas, developed their proposal, written three logs and checked in twice with me. This whole process has allowed me to understand each of my students better. I have noticed that this added communication has improved our day-to-day interactions and that students are working harder during the third quarter where usually I see more fatigue.
Two portions that have been pushed back were students sharing their misconceptions with others and creating real world math videos. I still plan to have students share their misconceptions but am debating whether to pursue the real world video activity. The reason why I hesitate with the videos is because I need to focus on what I can accomplish before my maternity leave. Since our main focus has been misconceptions this year, it only seems logical to focus on that.
Looking back on my ImagineIT Spring Timeline, there are portions that have been implemented, others added and some pushed back. Creating a timeline allows me to reflect on my progress and see if I am on the right track and how my thinking has changed during the process. Students have started their Genius Project which was added to my timeline. After reading their first semester reflections, I chose to add this project. Reading my students’ brainstorming and proposal responses made me realize that I made the right decision. They have brainstormed ideas, developed their proposal, written three logs and checked in twice with me. This whole process has allowed me to understand each of my students better. I have noticed that this added communication has improved our day-to-day interactions and that students are working harder during the third quarter where usually I see more fatigue.
Two portions that have been pushed back were students sharing their misconceptions with others and creating real world math videos. I still plan to have students share their misconceptions but am debating whether to pursue the real world video activity. The reason why I hesitate with the videos is because I need to focus on what I can accomplish before my maternity leave. Since our main focus has been misconceptions this year, it only seems logical to focus on that.
Update 1:
The second semester started without time to process the first semester. Below I have included artifacts from the January and February implementation of my ImagineIT project. The beginning of the new year resulted in the students creating mathematical resolutions. Students chose any misconception from the school year to resolve and develop a plan to increase their understandings. At the end of the first semester, students in my Advanced Algebra course completed a culminating activity called My Favorite Misconception. I chose to use the word misconception instead of mistake in order for students to focus on a deep rooted idea and not a silly mistake caused by rushing. I included the rubric based off the Middle Years Programme implementation of Criterion C: Communicating following my school’s grading policy. I had all of my students complete an End of the Semester Reflection. I took the open-ended questions used during the student focus group and changed it to a scale of 1 to 5. Students rated themselves and reflected on their performance. Graphs of the six main questions show the students’ responses. Using the chart function in Google Sheets made me realize that I need more practice. I wanted the scale to go by ones but using the default created decimals. I was surprised by some of the responses. The results show that more work needs to be done with creating lifelong learners who embrace growth mindset. The second semester took a turn with inspiration from my daughter. One day she kept repeating the same phrase, “ahem….genius!” I felt this was a sign to go back to the genius projects that I heard about over the summer and during Google Power Up. With only 9 weeks left before my maternity leave, I felt the need to try something on top of what I already have implemented. This past Friday I introduced the eight week project. Two students who unfortunately failed first semester pulled me aside separately so I could read their brainstorming ideas. To see their passion and the sparkle in their eyes made me realize that this risk was worth it. |
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