Interactive lecture, Kagan Strategies, Cornell Notes, PLC Rotations, Math Review, and the Math Matrix will all be utilized daily in leading students to the master level in mathematics.
The Math Matrix . . .
The math matrix is a tool students can use to practice current concepts, review past concepts, or front load upcoming concepts. Inside the matrix students will find detailed notes on concepts, links to instructional videos, and links to online practice.
math Reflections . . .
Math reflections are self monitoring continuum tool that students use to help aid them to the highest levels of mastery in various skills being taught in their current math plc. Ranging from "Clueless" to "I can do the steps" to "I can teach the steps", students will be able to track where they mindfully believe they currently stand in terms of understanding and mastery of concepts.
Interactive Lecture . . .
Interactive lecture involves chunking information in a manner in which student get to digest and work with newly acquired information before moving on to other set of information. After being presented a new set of steps in math, students will then in pairs be allowed to practice those steps for competency before moving on to the next step or concept. New information will then be chunked in 5 to 10 minute timeframes followed by pair or group practice. This allows for a deeper levels and opportunities for understanding.
BOss/SECRETARY . . .
Boss/Secretary is a cooperative learning structure that will be used during the interactive lecture process. This paired structure involves two students roles: the boss and the secretary. The role of the boss is to breakdown and explain concepts and steps in a logical and sequential manner. Steps need to broken down to their most basic element while being thoroughly explained with the "hows" and "whys" of what is being done. Carrying out the verbal directions of the boss on paper is the role of secretary except for one major aspect. It is the sole responsibility of the secretary to keep the boss on the ball. Constantly calling on the boss to justify and explain every step helps ensure depth of knowledge for both parties involved.
Cornell Notes . . .
Cornell Notes are the style of notes that will be used throughout math. These notes start off with an essential question that the entire note will encompass and explain. From there students will be utilizing three main columns:
Question Column: This is the problem that will be explained step by step in the notes.
Word Column: Where the the step is verbally explained and broken down.
Step Column: Where the step is mathematically carried out based on the verbal explanation.
Once the notes are done the students then create a summary at the bottom of the notes where all of the steps are paraphrased in a logical sequential order while explaining key academic terms. The notes provide a great study tool in which students can cover up any of the columns (word or step) to gauge how well a concept is understood or cover the notes entirely while trying to answer the essential question in their own words.
Question Column: This is the problem that will be explained step by step in the notes.
Word Column: Where the the step is verbally explained and broken down.
Step Column: Where the step is mathematically carried out based on the verbal explanation.
Once the notes are done the students then create a summary at the bottom of the notes where all of the steps are paraphrased in a logical sequential order while explaining key academic terms. The notes provide a great study tool in which students can cover up any of the columns (word or step) to gauge how well a concept is understood or cover the notes entirely while trying to answer the essential question in their own words.
PLC ROTations . . .
Target Teaching: Students first will be taught a specific target group of concepts (ex: decimals) for a period of roughly 2 to 3 weeks. At the end of the target period students will then be taking a pre-assessment followed by being put into PLC groups for remediation or enrichment.
Rotations: After the pre-assessment students will then be placed in PLC rotations for a 2 to 3 week period where they will be in the remediation or enrichment group. Students in the remediation group will be remediated in concepts and strategies that they failed to be proficient in while the concept was being targeted. The enrichment group on the other hand will be delving deeper into more advanced phases of the concepts or be taught middle school versions of that concept. Both sets of PLC groups will then take a post-assessment at the end of the rotation period to monitor progress.
Rotations: After the pre-assessment students will then be placed in PLC rotations for a 2 to 3 week period where they will be in the remediation or enrichment group. Students in the remediation group will be remediated in concepts and strategies that they failed to be proficient in while the concept was being targeted. The enrichment group on the other hand will be delving deeper into more advanced phases of the concepts or be taught middle school versions of that concept. Both sets of PLC groups will then take a post-assessment at the end of the rotation period to monitor progress.