Here is the 4th (and final) installment of new bloggers. Please take some time to read and comment on these blogs - there are some great ideas this week.
Angie Eakland (@aeakland) - Coefficients of Determination
The fourth post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Visions of PEMDAS danced thorugh my head" and the author sums it up as follows: Order of Operations is such an important topic at sixth grade. It's not really something the students can discover and so their initial understandings come down to how good of a job I do at introducing it in a memorable way. I created a new foldable that - in part - made this the easiest introduction I've ever had. A memorable quotation from the post is: Students LOVED the foldable, they LOVED getting to choose the four colors that they would use with intentionality (my word, not theirs :)), and I loved how easily students picked up the idea of doing multiplication and division and then addition and subtraction as they moved from left to right in their expression! :) :)
My thoughts: This is a neat foldable. I really like how she designed it so that multiplication and division were on the same row as well as addition and subtraction were as well. It's cool when something comes together rather well, especially after a good night's sleep.
crazedmummy - crazedmummy
The fourth post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Posting on a post to a post..." and the author sums it up as follows: This post is about someone responding to something I stole, and sent on to them, and they actually found it helpful. Oh theft, I am so devoted to you. A memorable quotation from the post is: I feel as if I have edged in to a party that my kids are holding and they have not frozen in silence (you know what you did when someone’s mom came in – don’t give me that look).
My thoughts: It is pretty cool when someone in the twitterblogosphere references what you've done. :-)
Dan Bowdoin (@danbowdoin) - Technology Integration for Math Engagement
The fourth post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Auto-Updating Agenda and Assignment Board" and the author sums it up as follows: I write about the switch from lesson planning on paper, to saving plans in computer files, and then the change to a completely electronic system that automatically updates for students as you make any changes! The idea was stolen from I Speak Math, Julie Reulbach. "Now, I’m all electronic when I plan. I made a Google Spreadsheet that lists the date, lesson, homework, and any important links the students will need. I love this way of giving homework, because then students can easily find the links I want them to access." A memorable quotation from the post is: It was great to see students, the first week of school, already going to the website and using the electronic links to complete their textbook assignment early.
My thoughts: It's neat to see how others use technology. Dan got such a positive response to this that he posted a link to his Google Spreadsheet in the comments. Pretty cool!
Lee KT (@lthor010) - random expected value
The fourth post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "You've got a friend..." and the author sums it up as follows: Have you ever read something that aligns with your thinking so much that you wish that you could sit with down with this person and talk and talk and talk? That's blogging...start the conversation, and keep it going. KEEP WRITING!! And oh yeah, Desmos is so cool! A memorable quotation from the post is: KEEP WRITING!
My thoughts: Lee makes a great point - the blogs that we all write keep this conversation going. We read what is going on in each other's classrooms and minds and comment to what strikes a chord with us. We share freely and help to improve each other's teaching. These conversations are what make us the best twitterblogosphere. :-)
Matt Owen (@_MattOwen_) - Just Tell Me the Answer
The fourth post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Flipclass Reflections So Far" and the author sums it up as follows: I've been making videos for my students this year. So far, the response has been positive, but I'm not doing a good job of ensuring that they watched and understood the videos. Here's a possible solution (stolen from another math blogger of course). A memorable quotation from the post is: If the student doesn’t remember whether they watched the video, either A. they didn’t watch it or B. They didn’t get it.
My thoughts: I'm always glad to see people sharing ideas that they have used in their classroom. I'll be curious to see how it works in his class.
Wesley (@wp202) - Intervals of Convergence
The fourth post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Getting Students to Communicate" and the author sums it up as follows: I want my students communicating in many ways with each other and myself through the class. Most of this involves placing the students in a teaching role and helping others in their class. Here's how I do it in my class. Suggestions appreciated! A memorable quotation from the post is: I love how it breaks up a lesson, lets students become teachers (if only for 10 seconds sometimes), gives struggling students some help, and helps students get to know each other.
My thoughts: There are some great communication starters here to use with your students. Very nicely done.
Showing posts with label new bloggers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new bloggers. Show all posts
Friday, September 14, 2012
Saturday, September 08, 2012
New Blogger Initiative Week 3
It's time for week 3's crop of new bloggers. It's hard to keep up with all of the new bloggers, but I do have to say that the group I read this week had some great stuff and I'm glad I made time to read them. Help encourage them and leave them comments please!
Maggie Acree (@pitoinfinity8) - pitoinfinity
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled 'The Why" and the author sums it up as follows: I have never written down the "why" of teaching. This post is for me but also to remind us all we need to love what we do even when it gets hard. Right now, we are challenged beyond belief in so many ways, so we have to keep the "why" at the forefront. I love math and I love teaching! A memorable quotation from the post is: But the answer is simple, I love what I do.
My thoughts: Reading why others teach reminds me of why I teach. I like finding that many of the reasons that factored into why I became a teacher are some of the same things that others feel. I like how she addressed how she could have chosen other professions and why she chose teaching.
Amy Zimmer - Ms. Z Teaches in Mathland
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Rocky, PEMDAS, and the Best Darn Article" and the author sums it up as follows: When priorization of operations finally makes sense to students. A memorable quotation from the post is: I wish all of my lessons could be as empowering as this one.
My thoughts: Amy shares a neat way to help clarify how order of operations works.
Sarah Hill - You Can Secant You
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Misconceptions. (Or, teaching the shortcuts without teaching the concepts)" and the author sums it up as follows: This is a post about how many common misconceptions are caused by students learning the shortcuts, or the easy way to solve a problem, without ever really learning the concepts. A memorable quotation from the post is: Really, isn’t a lot of what we teach in a typical high school math class just a lot of “shortcuts” to solving problems?
My thoughts: I really liked this post. This really resonated with me: "One thing that I have been thinking about a lot lately is the fact that we so often teach kids the shortcuts or the quick way to figure out the answers. I don’t think there is anything wrong with doing this, but I am realizing that I need to make sure that they understand the concepts before they start learning the quick ways of doing it." I have also been thinking about it as I have been planning my lessons this year and am consciously trying to make sure my students understand the why behind the mathematics.
Michelle Riley (@mathwithriley) - A Year of Growth
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Blogger Initiative Week 3: Why I teach" and the author sums it up as follows: My post talks about why I became a math teacher. A memorable quotation from the post is: I used to make my younger siblings sit and play school with me while I handed them worksheets with spelling words and addition problems. (yes, I was that mean big sister).
My thoughts: I really related to this post. I, too, was the older sister playing school. :-)
Lea Ann Smith (@SmithTeach) - Expanding Horizons Through Education
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Why do we have to learn this?" and the author sums it up as follows: My favorite reply to this question is that they will use the habits of mind they are developing as they learn how to solve math problems. Math teaches you how to think logically and creatively at the same time. The "aha" moment in solving a math problem brings together the synthesis of logical thought and an intuitive leap of genius. This is a very useful skill. A memorable quotation from the post is: The "aha" moment in solving a math problem brings together the synthesis of logical thought and an intuitive leap of genius.
My thoughts: What a nice answer to the ever present question!
Kaleb Allinson To Accumulate a Rate - -- Integrate
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "A LaTex Sandwich" and the author sums it up as follows: This post is about solving a Calculus problem involving the Sandwich Theorem. It's also about a webapp that allows you to easily get the LaTex code your looking for. If you're wanting to use LaTex to desplay math in your blog you're going to want to read this post and follow the link to Web equation. A memorable quotation from the post is: I’ve used LaTex before and have really enjoyed using it, but sometimes it’s hard to know what to type to get the exact math typesetting your looking for.
My thoughts: I like the title of his post - it fits very well.
Jennifer Wilson (@jwilson828) - Easing the Hurry Syndrome
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Zoom In" and the author sums it up as follows: I tried a thinking routine called "Zoom In" as described in "Making Thinking Visible". I showed students part of a piece of fabric and asked them to write about what they noticed, remembering that we were in a mathematics class. Eventually I showed them the entire piece of fabric and asked them to discuss what they saw in their groups. It worked...they saw transformations...the perfect lead-in to our unit on rigid motions. A memorable quotation from the post is: I had no idea if students would see reflections, rotations, and translations (and in fact, some saw flips, turns, and slides), but they did.
My thoughts: This is the second week I've "drawn" her blog in the NBI. I really liked how she explained how she used and adapted once of the MARS activities for her class. I haven't had the chance to really look through the MARS activities, but this will be one I am going to incorporate into my class.
Cindy W (@finding_EMU) - findingEMU
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "New Blogger Initiative: Mystery Number Puzzles" and the author sums it up as follows: I successfully learned how to insert mathematical equations and expressions into a post by using LaTeX (and a cool "shortcut" to boot!) The lesson involves using "Mystery Number Puzzles" to help jump start Algebra students into solving linear equations involving just one "x" term. A memorable quotation from the post is: I am thinking of a number. . . . When I multiply it by 2 and then add three, multiply the result by 4 and divide by 6, then subtract 5, my answer is 1. WHAT is my number?!
My thoughts: This is the second week I've "drawn" her blog in the NBI also. Cindy does a nice job explaining what she has students do in class and incorporated LaTeX in her post nicely.
Maggie Acree (@pitoinfinity8) - pitoinfinity
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled 'The Why" and the author sums it up as follows: I have never written down the "why" of teaching. This post is for me but also to remind us all we need to love what we do even when it gets hard. Right now, we are challenged beyond belief in so many ways, so we have to keep the "why" at the forefront. I love math and I love teaching! A memorable quotation from the post is: But the answer is simple, I love what I do.
My thoughts: Reading why others teach reminds me of why I teach. I like finding that many of the reasons that factored into why I became a teacher are some of the same things that others feel. I like how she addressed how she could have chosen other professions and why she chose teaching.
Amy Zimmer - Ms. Z Teaches in Mathland
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Rocky, PEMDAS, and the Best Darn Article" and the author sums it up as follows: When priorization of operations finally makes sense to students. A memorable quotation from the post is: I wish all of my lessons could be as empowering as this one.
My thoughts: Amy shares a neat way to help clarify how order of operations works.
Sarah Hill - You Can Secant You
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Misconceptions. (Or, teaching the shortcuts without teaching the concepts)" and the author sums it up as follows: This is a post about how many common misconceptions are caused by students learning the shortcuts, or the easy way to solve a problem, without ever really learning the concepts. A memorable quotation from the post is: Really, isn’t a lot of what we teach in a typical high school math class just a lot of “shortcuts” to solving problems?
My thoughts: I really liked this post. This really resonated with me: "One thing that I have been thinking about a lot lately is the fact that we so often teach kids the shortcuts or the quick way to figure out the answers. I don’t think there is anything wrong with doing this, but I am realizing that I need to make sure that they understand the concepts before they start learning the quick ways of doing it." I have also been thinking about it as I have been planning my lessons this year and am consciously trying to make sure my students understand the why behind the mathematics.
Michelle Riley (@mathwithriley) - A Year of Growth
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Blogger Initiative Week 3: Why I teach" and the author sums it up as follows: My post talks about why I became a math teacher. A memorable quotation from the post is: I used to make my younger siblings sit and play school with me while I handed them worksheets with spelling words and addition problems. (yes, I was that mean big sister).
My thoughts: I really related to this post. I, too, was the older sister playing school. :-)
Lea Ann Smith (@SmithTeach) - Expanding Horizons Through Education
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Why do we have to learn this?" and the author sums it up as follows: My favorite reply to this question is that they will use the habits of mind they are developing as they learn how to solve math problems. Math teaches you how to think logically and creatively at the same time. The "aha" moment in solving a math problem brings together the synthesis of logical thought and an intuitive leap of genius. This is a very useful skill. A memorable quotation from the post is: The "aha" moment in solving a math problem brings together the synthesis of logical thought and an intuitive leap of genius.
My thoughts: What a nice answer to the ever present question!
Kaleb Allinson To Accumulate a Rate - -- Integrate
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "A LaTex Sandwich" and the author sums it up as follows: This post is about solving a Calculus problem involving the Sandwich Theorem. It's also about a webapp that allows you to easily get the LaTex code your looking for. If you're wanting to use LaTex to desplay math in your blog you're going to want to read this post and follow the link to Web equation. A memorable quotation from the post is: I’ve used LaTex before and have really enjoyed using it, but sometimes it’s hard to know what to type to get the exact math typesetting your looking for.
My thoughts: I like the title of his post - it fits very well.
Jennifer Wilson (@jwilson828) - Easing the Hurry Syndrome
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Zoom In" and the author sums it up as follows: I tried a thinking routine called "Zoom In" as described in "Making Thinking Visible". I showed students part of a piece of fabric and asked them to write about what they noticed, remembering that we were in a mathematics class. Eventually I showed them the entire piece of fabric and asked them to discuss what they saw in their groups. It worked...they saw transformations...the perfect lead-in to our unit on rigid motions. A memorable quotation from the post is: I had no idea if students would see reflections, rotations, and translations (and in fact, some saw flips, turns, and slides), but they did.
My thoughts: This is the second week I've "drawn" her blog in the NBI. I really liked how she explained how she used and adapted once of the MARS activities for her class. I haven't had the chance to really look through the MARS activities, but this will be one I am going to incorporate into my class.
Cindy W (@finding_EMU) - findingEMU
The third post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "New Blogger Initiative: Mystery Number Puzzles" and the author sums it up as follows: I successfully learned how to insert mathematical equations and expressions into a post by using LaTeX (and a cool "shortcut" to boot!) The lesson involves using "Mystery Number Puzzles" to help jump start Algebra students into solving linear equations involving just one "x" term. A memorable quotation from the post is: I am thinking of a number. . . . When I multiply it by 2 and then add three, multiply the result by 4 and divide by 6, then subtract 5, my answer is 1. WHAT is my number?!
My thoughts: This is the second week I've "drawn" her blog in the NBI also. Cindy does a nice job explaining what she has students do in class and incorporated LaTeX in her post nicely.
Saturday, September 01, 2012
New Blogger Initiative - Week 2
It's week 2 of the New Blogger Initiative and I'll be honest, it has been a crazy week. It's my first week back and things have been beyond nuts. I apologize in advance for not offering much commentary here. As we've all said before, please take some time and check out these new bloggers and comment where you can. You know yourself how those comments can really help you. So, here we go...
Angie Eakland (@aeakland) - Coefficients of Determination
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "WANTED: Dead or Alive"and the author sums it up as follows: This post is about a project students worked on involving direct variation functions. It has all the elements of a good learning activity: higher-level thought, pulling out misconceptions, cementing good understandings, a little art, and a lot of fun! The project could be applied to almost any topic of study and the results were awesome! A memorable quotation from the post is: The results were amazing - less than 6% of my students showed any indication of needing any reteaching at all!
My reaction: This was a neat idea. Check this one out!
Jennifer Wilson (@jwilson828) - Easing the Hurry Syndrome
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "A Locus of Points"and the author sums it up as follows: Scaffolding questions for students in class can make a difference in both their understanding and their success. I scaffolded a few questions on the idea of locus of points using TI-Nspire Navigator Quick Polls, and I was pleased with the results. A memorable quotation from the post is: It may seem simple, but ultimately I want them to learn how to problem solve while they are taking their tests…to not be intimidated by questions they haven’t exactly seen before in class.
My reaction: I have not used the Nspire before. I liked how Jennifer incorporated the screen shots into her blog post - it helped me better understand what she was talking about as well as see how it was used in this lesson. Looks like some neat stuff!
Sherrell Wilson - Project Share
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Even teachers need a break!" and the author sums it up as follows: This blog is just a reminder to not let the stress of teaching get you down. A memorable quotation from the post is: The neat thing about teaching is that if you have a bad day, you can usually redeem yourself.
My reaction: We do have to remember to pamper ourselves.
Megan Morrison (@mathwmorrison) - Math With Morrison
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "How to recharge after a challenging day…" and the author sums it up as follows: This may all be silly to some people, but as long as I stay positive and reflective, my worst days become a learning experience and I can move on without hurt feelings or a damaged view. A memorable quotation from the post is: Tomorrow will be a new day!
My reaction: It is incredibly easily to be negative. It is much harder to be positive. Megan provides some nice things to think about when things don't go well.
Erin Goddard (@ErinYBaker) - Math Lessons on the Loose
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Proud to Share Algebra Boot Camp for Calculus" and the author sums it up as follows: I incorporated and will be incorporating some more activities and projects into my Calculus class to make it better this year. I used samjshah's idea of Algebra boot camp in Calculus. There will be more boot camps to come for my calculus students, but they already faced two boot camps that went very well. I also have a concept map project that will be a continuous project throughout the year. A memorable quotation from the post is: (x+4)^2 = x^2+16 = AAHHH!!!!!
My reaction: I like seeing how others have adapted stuff I have read from other bloggers. If I am teaching Calculus again in the future, I have thought that I would use Sam's Algebra Boot Camp. She shares her handouts, which is always helpful.
Mary - X Y Pi
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Learning to Teach: I'm Sorry" and the author sums it up as follows: As I start off a year with two full time student teachers, I need to decide what they really need to know. One of the key things I think they need to be able to do is apologize. It keeps things positive, shows the teacher taking responsibility and gives students a chance to do it right the second time, no matter what happened first. A memorable quotation from the post is: I say apologize because that’s what taking ownership of everything that happens in the classroom often seems to boil down to, and if you’re secure in what you’re doing, it helps everyone.
My reaction: This really helps take the pressure off students sometimes and keeps them going. A good thought to incorporate.
Scott Keltner (@ScottKeltner) - Good for Nothing
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Math Blog Initiation, Week 2: License Plate Activity" and the author sums it up as follows: As part of a course project for a Statistics class, I exploited the license plate format of my own state: three digits and three letters. Students collected their own samples, pooled together to create a large sample for the entire class, and were given a list of criteria to include on a poster project. I include sample artwork for a demonstration version I showed them, as well as project instruction sheet and rubric, and a follow-up story that includes a run-in with my state's Department of Revenue. A memorable quotation from the post is: What a great time to seek out a sample license plate to help introduce this project in class, showing just what 3-digit numbers students were to collect! I enthusiastically contacted the State Department of Revenue (do a Google search to see how many results you have for that phrase; I'm pretty sure I just broke the shutout on that search) to see the potential of getting a default "SAM 123" plate or similar plate being available.
My reaction: Neat project! Scott reminds us through his experience with the State Department of Revenue that all we have to do is ask for stuff for our classes.
Meagan Bubulka - variablesofmath
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Cool Project: Math and Art!" and the author sums it up as follows: This is a Similar Figures Project that I am really proud of. I have done it a couple times now and I love the end products - so fun to hang up to show off student work! This is also a great way to incorporate art into math! Using cartoons the students are more invested in the project because cartoons are always fun! A memorable quotation from the post is: We usually do this right after ISAT’s (Illinois State Testing) as a relaxing way to do math OR at the end of the year when they are done and you are done!
My reaction: Neat idea! I've seen my students do something similar in art class, but I had not thought to use it in math class as an introduction. I might use this one with my lower level sophomores.
Jimmy Pai (@PaiMath) - The Pai Intersect
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "[Activity] Angry Birds" and the author sums it up as follows: I used Angry Birds in class for an exploration-based lesson. The students had a blast, I had a blast, and we all took away a lot from the experience. The interactivity where students were able to actually play with the game and talk about it was extremely helpful. A memorable quotation from the post is: I gave them some time to talk, get excited, argue, discuss, then I collected their responses.
My reaction: I do like that he brought Angry Birds into the classroom to discuss parts of a parabola. Like many of the Angry Birds posts, it left me wanting more. I would love to incorporate it into my classroom, but I have not figured out how to do it more concretely (figuring out the equations, etc.).
Emily Steinmetz - Crazy in Math
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "boxes, reasons, and proofs... oh my!"and the author sums it up as follows: I use different types of proofs depending on what the student is trying to prove. I love flow proofs for congruent triangles and two-column for algebraic, segment and angle proofs. I utilize my SMARTboard because it helps manipulate the diagrams, statements, and reasons. A memorable quotation from the post is: The one topic in Geometry that brings students to their knees quicker than any other, is proofs…
My reaction: I have no experience with flow proofs. I know 2 column proofs. I have a vague idea of how paragraph proofs work. But beyond that, I have not messed with other ways to show proof. It was nice to see how she sets up flow proofs. I would love to see what a finished one looks like - this method of proof is way more accessible to some of my students and I'd love to use it.
Angie Eakland (@aeakland) - Coefficients of Determination
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "WANTED: Dead or Alive"and the author sums it up as follows: This post is about a project students worked on involving direct variation functions. It has all the elements of a good learning activity: higher-level thought, pulling out misconceptions, cementing good understandings, a little art, and a lot of fun! The project could be applied to almost any topic of study and the results were awesome! A memorable quotation from the post is: The results were amazing - less than 6% of my students showed any indication of needing any reteaching at all!
My reaction: This was a neat idea. Check this one out!
Jennifer Wilson (@jwilson828) - Easing the Hurry Syndrome
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "A Locus of Points"and the author sums it up as follows: Scaffolding questions for students in class can make a difference in both their understanding and their success. I scaffolded a few questions on the idea of locus of points using TI-Nspire Navigator Quick Polls, and I was pleased with the results. A memorable quotation from the post is: It may seem simple, but ultimately I want them to learn how to problem solve while they are taking their tests…to not be intimidated by questions they haven’t exactly seen before in class.
My reaction: I have not used the Nspire before. I liked how Jennifer incorporated the screen shots into her blog post - it helped me better understand what she was talking about as well as see how it was used in this lesson. Looks like some neat stuff!
Sherrell Wilson - Project Share
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Even teachers need a break!" and the author sums it up as follows: This blog is just a reminder to not let the stress of teaching get you down. A memorable quotation from the post is: The neat thing about teaching is that if you have a bad day, you can usually redeem yourself.
My reaction: We do have to remember to pamper ourselves.
Megan Morrison (@mathwmorrison) - Math With Morrison
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "How to recharge after a challenging day…" and the author sums it up as follows: This may all be silly to some people, but as long as I stay positive and reflective, my worst days become a learning experience and I can move on without hurt feelings or a damaged view. A memorable quotation from the post is: Tomorrow will be a new day!
My reaction: It is incredibly easily to be negative. It is much harder to be positive. Megan provides some nice things to think about when things don't go well.
Erin Goddard (@ErinYBaker) - Math Lessons on the Loose
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Proud to Share Algebra Boot Camp for Calculus" and the author sums it up as follows: I incorporated and will be incorporating some more activities and projects into my Calculus class to make it better this year. I used samjshah's idea of Algebra boot camp in Calculus. There will be more boot camps to come for my calculus students, but they already faced two boot camps that went very well. I also have a concept map project that will be a continuous project throughout the year. A memorable quotation from the post is: (x+4)^2 = x^2+16 = AAHHH!!!!!
My reaction: I like seeing how others have adapted stuff I have read from other bloggers. If I am teaching Calculus again in the future, I have thought that I would use Sam's Algebra Boot Camp. She shares her handouts, which is always helpful.
Mary - X Y Pi
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Learning to Teach: I'm Sorry" and the author sums it up as follows: As I start off a year with two full time student teachers, I need to decide what they really need to know. One of the key things I think they need to be able to do is apologize. It keeps things positive, shows the teacher taking responsibility and gives students a chance to do it right the second time, no matter what happened first. A memorable quotation from the post is: I say apologize because that’s what taking ownership of everything that happens in the classroom often seems to boil down to, and if you’re secure in what you’re doing, it helps everyone.
My reaction: This really helps take the pressure off students sometimes and keeps them going. A good thought to incorporate.
Scott Keltner (@ScottKeltner) - Good for Nothing
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Math Blog Initiation, Week 2: License Plate Activity" and the author sums it up as follows: As part of a course project for a Statistics class, I exploited the license plate format of my own state: three digits and three letters. Students collected their own samples, pooled together to create a large sample for the entire class, and were given a list of criteria to include on a poster project. I include sample artwork for a demonstration version I showed them, as well as project instruction sheet and rubric, and a follow-up story that includes a run-in with my state's Department of Revenue. A memorable quotation from the post is: What a great time to seek out a sample license plate to help introduce this project in class, showing just what 3-digit numbers students were to collect! I enthusiastically contacted the State Department of Revenue (do a Google search to see how many results you have for that phrase; I'm pretty sure I just broke the shutout on that search) to see the potential of getting a default "SAM 123" plate or similar plate being available.
My reaction: Neat project! Scott reminds us through his experience with the State Department of Revenue that all we have to do is ask for stuff for our classes.
Meagan Bubulka - variablesofmath
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Cool Project: Math and Art!" and the author sums it up as follows: This is a Similar Figures Project that I am really proud of. I have done it a couple times now and I love the end products - so fun to hang up to show off student work! This is also a great way to incorporate art into math! Using cartoons the students are more invested in the project because cartoons are always fun! A memorable quotation from the post is: We usually do this right after ISAT’s (Illinois State Testing) as a relaxing way to do math OR at the end of the year when they are done and you are done!
My reaction: Neat idea! I've seen my students do something similar in art class, but I had not thought to use it in math class as an introduction. I might use this one with my lower level sophomores.
Jimmy Pai (@PaiMath) - The Pai Intersect
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "[Activity] Angry Birds" and the author sums it up as follows: I used Angry Birds in class for an exploration-based lesson. The students had a blast, I had a blast, and we all took away a lot from the experience. The interactivity where students were able to actually play with the game and talk about it was extremely helpful. A memorable quotation from the post is: I gave them some time to talk, get excited, argue, discuss, then I collected their responses.
My reaction: I do like that he brought Angry Birds into the classroom to discuss parts of a parabola. Like many of the Angry Birds posts, it left me wanting more. I would love to incorporate it into my classroom, but I have not figured out how to do it more concretely (figuring out the equations, etc.).
Emily Steinmetz - Crazy in Math
This week's post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "boxes, reasons, and proofs... oh my!"and the author sums it up as follows: I use different types of proofs depending on what the student is trying to prove. I love flow proofs for congruent triangles and two-column for algebraic, segment and angle proofs. I utilize my SMARTboard because it helps manipulate the diagrams, statements, and reasons. A memorable quotation from the post is: The one topic in Geometry that brings students to their knees quicker than any other, is proofs…
My reaction: I have no experience with flow proofs. I know 2 column proofs. I have a vague idea of how paragraph proofs work. But beyond that, I have not messed with other ways to show proof. It was nice to see how she sets up flow proofs. I would love to see what a finished one looks like - this method of proof is way more accessible to some of my students and I'd love to use it.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Freshly Minted New Math Bloggers Week 1
Hi everyone! Courtesy of Sam Shah's New Blogger Initiation, here are 15 freshly minted blog posts by new math teacher bloggers. Please take some time, check them out, and comment! As those of you who blog know, those comments sometimes really help keep you going - they let you know that you're not alone in this great Math Twitterblogosphere and they also encourage you to keep blogging! So take a few moments and help these new bloggers out. Thanks!
David Price (@compactspaces) - Compact Spaces
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "First NBI (and ever!) post" and the author sums it up as follows: Since teachers have offices but no fixed rooms at my school, a major concern of my mine is how to build a strong classroom culture (and smoothly running classroom) without the use of four walls. Thus one of my goals is to figure out some portable ways of incorporating things like rules/norms, student work, and supplies into the structure of my classes. A memorable quotation from the post is: Goal: Start to figure out what “mobile solutions” I can use to make my classes run more smoothly and create the classroom culture I want.
My reactions: I take for granted that I have a room of my own. I appreciated the concerns he shared because they are concerns that I could relate to, even though I have just one classroom.
Sarah Educating (@saraheducating) - Sarah Educating
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Old habits die hard?" and the author sums it up as follows: In this post, I talk about how one of my goals this year is to do better at providing students with useful, timely feedback about their learning, despite my issues with procrastination. One of the ways I want to do this is to lead students through self-assessment of tests (and maybe other projects?) more often. Why? I've done this a bit in the past and I think it can be a really powerful tool. A memorable quotation from the post is: Why yes, Parent Trap was my favorite childhood movie!
My reactions: Some interesting ideas. I really appreciated that she put a disclaimer before she described what happened in her classroom. There are a lot of times I read blog posts and I think it's a good idea, then when I step back and think about how it would work in my classroom, I realize it's not possible. Then I wonder under what circumstances the author did it. Those of you who do SBG may want to read this post and think about what she does with her classes.
Mathaholic - Confessions of a Mathaholic
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Analytical, Numerical, or Graphical?" and the author sums it up as follows: The post is about my adopting graphing calculators into the precalculus curriculum and embracing solving problems using multiple methods. A memorable quotation from the post is: But while I used to look at the graphing calculators as a crutch to critical thinking skills, I now see it as a useful tool in allowing the student to use numerical and graphical methods to solve problems.
My reactions: Interesting thoughts. I have taught for 20 years and I have used a graphing calculator most of the time in my Algebra 2 classes. My emphasis has always been on the analytical and knowing how to graph/do the process by hand, However, the author brings up some very valid points - ones I had not thought about before. S/He has given me something to think about.
Kristin Elix (@mathchica) - 7th Grade Math Mania
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "My Most Prized Possession From My First Year" and the author sums it up as follows: Last year was my first year of teaching and I prided myself in my ability to form lasting relationships with my students. This post is an example of a result of forming a positive relationship with one of my students who was very quiet at the beginning of the year. I formed a relationship with her that I feel is lasting and I know I've made a difference in her life, simply because I took the time to smile at her and show her I care! A memorable quotation from the post is: While I want to teach my kids math, I also want to teach them how to be kind, caring, respectful young adults and I want to show my students that they are wanted, loved, and appreciated, and that I will always be there for them.
My reactions: I keep a "smile file" of letters and notes like this. I can see why it's so special to her.
Emily Steinmetz - Crazy in Math
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Try, try, and try again..." and the author sums it up as follows: Two ideas that I am trying to work through without annoying my students. A memorable quotation from the post is: I hope I am better at these two ideas than most people are at their New Year's Resolutions....
My reactions: She is using math buddies in a different fashion than I have heard of before. It's an intriguing concept to me and I hope that she blogs more about it later in the year.
Jill Gorneau - Prepared To Be Wrong
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Focusing on what comes first" and the author sums it up as follows: I decided to post about a new focus for my lessons for the year. I attended a Dan Meyer workshop over the summer and I've been mulling over how relevant the Three Act Lessons are for my adult students. I picked up so many tidbits from Dan, and this post is my conclusion on how I can best use his insights for my students. A memorable quotation from the post is: Ask Dan how his wife’s knitting is coming along from that trip.
My reactions: It's always good to see someone else's reactions to someone or something you have seen before. I think it will be interesting to see if she gets a similar or different reaction to the 3 Act Lessons than teachers of teenagers have.
Joe B (@forumjoe) - lim joe→∞
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "New Beginnings" and the author sums it up as follows: It's about my blog, my objectives and why I've created it. A memorable quotation from the post is: It was Mathsy, it was nerdy and it was appropriate for me. It signified growth, it showed that I’m getting older, do I get wiser at the same time? As my age approaches infinity, does my wisdom? I loved the sort of questions this title signified.
My reactions: It's neat to read how people chose the title of their blogs. If I could change the title of mine (which at this point I can't), I think I'd choose something shorter. Regardless, the title fits me. :-)
Katrina Hamilton (@klwarsin) - Lady Leibniz and the Galileo Girls
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Experimentation" and the author sums it up as follows: I'm switching to standards based grading. This post focuses on why I wanted to change from what I did and how I'm going to introduce my new policy to my administration, my students and the parents. A memorable quotation from the post is: In the end, for my students (and most parents), it was about the final grade, NOT the fascinating, mysterious, totally awesome math (or physics) we'd been studying.
My reactions: I was in the spot she is now 3 years ago when starting Standards Based Grading. It sounds like she has thought this through and I hope she does well with it.
Kate (@fourkatie) - Axis of Reflection
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "What's in a name?" and the author sums it up as follows: A blog was born, it was named, and then it languished. In response the new blogger initiative I shared how I picked the name for my blog and why I decided to blog over a year ago and what got me actually blogging. A memorable quotation from the post is: I felt that I had been lurking and reading and benefiting from the marvelous mathtwitterblogosphere and that perhaps it was time to contribute something back to that community.
My reactions: I have "known" Kate for quite a while on Twitter. I'm glad to see she's reviving her blog. Thanks for sharing why you named it what you did.
Leslie Billings (@leslie_su76) - mslcbillings
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Begin as you mean to go on" and the author sums it up as follows: This post is about first day/week goals. I look at specifics for my two classes, then summarize with a generalization. A memorable quotation from the post is: The only way to make sure it happens is to start with it right away, first week and don’t let up.
My reactions: I like her thought about how she doesn't want to begin with administratia because that would imply that's what the year will be about. It's a great thought and makes complete sense to me. Now if I can only figure out what I'm going to do with my kids day one...
Bruno Reddy (@mrreddymaths) - Mr Reddy Maths
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "My First-Week-Back Goal: Hook, Line and Sinker" and the author sums it up as follows: It's the happy-ending story I tell pupils on their first day of secondary school to help them believe they can realise their potential. A memorable quotation from the post is: I get all Michelle-Pfeiffer on them and sell them something they never thought they could afford…to dream huge.
My reactions: This is a neat visualization process. Very nicely done.
Mary Watson (@mkwatson) - Reality Squared
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Excited Exhaustion" and the author sums it up as follows: This post is a summary of my feeling about my first week so that in the future I can look back and remember all the great things that happened this week and help me focus on what needs to happen to help next week go a bit better. A memorable quotation from the post is: One day, I hope I can pay that forward for another new teacher.
My reactions: I am SO right there with her right now. I am probably the least prepared at this point in my 20 years. It usually takes me 3-4 weeks to find my school groove.
Brendan K (@tinmousetrap) - TinMousetrap
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "A Goal for The First Week of School" and the author sums it up as follows: I have a goal this year to avoid rushing through course expectations, policies, and procedures as a 'file-it-away' formality. I would love to have different outlines for different class that carefully reflect my expectations for them. No more 'cookie-cutter' handouts! A memorable quotation from the post is: As for my other classes during the first week, my goal is to provide a more authentic vision of my expectations.
My reactions: Another newbie to SBG. He has some solid goals for the start of his year.
Dorrie Bright (@hwalksintoabar) - h walks into a bar
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Within these walls" and the author sums it up as follows: Anticipation and creating space (creating space and anticipation?) A memorable quotation from the post is: Gratitude for process.
My reactions: Dorrie is teaching Physics in a new space to her that needs transformed for her needs. Looks like she has some neat stuff and I hope she'll post some pictures.
Bernt Jolicoeur (@brentjolicoeur) - Reflections & Transformations
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "(NBI) Improvements to Make This Year" and the author sums it up as follows: I've tried to summarize my personal goals for improvement this year. I have also touched on some of the other week 1 prompts in my initial blog posts I think. A memorable quotation from the post is: My primary foci of change for this year revolves around this key theme. (I have no idea??)
My reactions: Brent sets three goals for himself this year. They sound very similar to goals I set for myself every year.
David Price (@compactspaces) - Compact Spaces
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "First NBI (and ever!) post" and the author sums it up as follows: Since teachers have offices but no fixed rooms at my school, a major concern of my mine is how to build a strong classroom culture (and smoothly running classroom) without the use of four walls. Thus one of my goals is to figure out some portable ways of incorporating things like rules/norms, student work, and supplies into the structure of my classes. A memorable quotation from the post is: Goal: Start to figure out what “mobile solutions” I can use to make my classes run more smoothly and create the classroom culture I want.
My reactions: I take for granted that I have a room of my own. I appreciated the concerns he shared because they are concerns that I could relate to, even though I have just one classroom.
Sarah Educating (@saraheducating) - Sarah Educating
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Old habits die hard?" and the author sums it up as follows: In this post, I talk about how one of my goals this year is to do better at providing students with useful, timely feedback about their learning, despite my issues with procrastination. One of the ways I want to do this is to lead students through self-assessment of tests (and maybe other projects?) more often. Why? I've done this a bit in the past and I think it can be a really powerful tool. A memorable quotation from the post is: Why yes, Parent Trap was my favorite childhood movie!
My reactions: Some interesting ideas. I really appreciated that she put a disclaimer before she described what happened in her classroom. There are a lot of times I read blog posts and I think it's a good idea, then when I step back and think about how it would work in my classroom, I realize it's not possible. Then I wonder under what circumstances the author did it. Those of you who do SBG may want to read this post and think about what she does with her classes.
Mathaholic - Confessions of a Mathaholic
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Analytical, Numerical, or Graphical?" and the author sums it up as follows: The post is about my adopting graphing calculators into the precalculus curriculum and embracing solving problems using multiple methods. A memorable quotation from the post is: But while I used to look at the graphing calculators as a crutch to critical thinking skills, I now see it as a useful tool in allowing the student to use numerical and graphical methods to solve problems.
My reactions: Interesting thoughts. I have taught for 20 years and I have used a graphing calculator most of the time in my Algebra 2 classes. My emphasis has always been on the analytical and knowing how to graph/do the process by hand, However, the author brings up some very valid points - ones I had not thought about before. S/He has given me something to think about.
Kristin Elix (@mathchica) - 7th Grade Math Mania
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "My Most Prized Possession From My First Year" and the author sums it up as follows: Last year was my first year of teaching and I prided myself in my ability to form lasting relationships with my students. This post is an example of a result of forming a positive relationship with one of my students who was very quiet at the beginning of the year. I formed a relationship with her that I feel is lasting and I know I've made a difference in her life, simply because I took the time to smile at her and show her I care! A memorable quotation from the post is: While I want to teach my kids math, I also want to teach them how to be kind, caring, respectful young adults and I want to show my students that they are wanted, loved, and appreciated, and that I will always be there for them.
My reactions: I keep a "smile file" of letters and notes like this. I can see why it's so special to her.
Emily Steinmetz - Crazy in Math
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Try, try, and try again..." and the author sums it up as follows: Two ideas that I am trying to work through without annoying my students. A memorable quotation from the post is: I hope I am better at these two ideas than most people are at their New Year's Resolutions....
My reactions: She is using math buddies in a different fashion than I have heard of before. It's an intriguing concept to me and I hope that she blogs more about it later in the year.
Jill Gorneau - Prepared To Be Wrong
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Focusing on what comes first" and the author sums it up as follows: I decided to post about a new focus for my lessons for the year. I attended a Dan Meyer workshop over the summer and I've been mulling over how relevant the Three Act Lessons are for my adult students. I picked up so many tidbits from Dan, and this post is my conclusion on how I can best use his insights for my students. A memorable quotation from the post is: Ask Dan how his wife’s knitting is coming along from that trip.
My reactions: It's always good to see someone else's reactions to someone or something you have seen before. I think it will be interesting to see if she gets a similar or different reaction to the 3 Act Lessons than teachers of teenagers have.
Joe B (@forumjoe) - lim joe→∞
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "New Beginnings" and the author sums it up as follows: It's about my blog, my objectives and why I've created it. A memorable quotation from the post is: It was Mathsy, it was nerdy and it was appropriate for me. It signified growth, it showed that I’m getting older, do I get wiser at the same time? As my age approaches infinity, does my wisdom? I loved the sort of questions this title signified.
My reactions: It's neat to read how people chose the title of their blogs. If I could change the title of mine (which at this point I can't), I think I'd choose something shorter. Regardless, the title fits me. :-)
Katrina Hamilton (@klwarsin) - Lady Leibniz and the Galileo Girls
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Experimentation" and the author sums it up as follows: I'm switching to standards based grading. This post focuses on why I wanted to change from what I did and how I'm going to introduce my new policy to my administration, my students and the parents. A memorable quotation from the post is: In the end, for my students (and most parents), it was about the final grade, NOT the fascinating, mysterious, totally awesome math (or physics) we'd been studying.
My reactions: I was in the spot she is now 3 years ago when starting Standards Based Grading. It sounds like she has thought this through and I hope she does well with it.
Kate (@fourkatie) - Axis of Reflection
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "What's in a name?" and the author sums it up as follows: A blog was born, it was named, and then it languished. In response the new blogger initiative I shared how I picked the name for my blog and why I decided to blog over a year ago and what got me actually blogging. A memorable quotation from the post is: I felt that I had been lurking and reading and benefiting from the marvelous mathtwitterblogosphere and that perhaps it was time to contribute something back to that community.
My reactions: I have "known" Kate for quite a while on Twitter. I'm glad to see she's reviving her blog. Thanks for sharing why you named it what you did.
Leslie Billings (@leslie_su76) - mslcbillings
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Begin as you mean to go on" and the author sums it up as follows: This post is about first day/week goals. I look at specifics for my two classes, then summarize with a generalization. A memorable quotation from the post is: The only way to make sure it happens is to start with it right away, first week and don’t let up.
My reactions: I like her thought about how she doesn't want to begin with administratia because that would imply that's what the year will be about. It's a great thought and makes complete sense to me. Now if I can only figure out what I'm going to do with my kids day one...
Bruno Reddy (@mrreddymaths) - Mr Reddy Maths
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "My First-Week-Back Goal: Hook, Line and Sinker" and the author sums it up as follows: It's the happy-ending story I tell pupils on their first day of secondary school to help them believe they can realise their potential. A memorable quotation from the post is: I get all Michelle-Pfeiffer on them and sell them something they never thought they could afford…to dream huge.
My reactions: This is a neat visualization process. Very nicely done.
Mary Watson (@mkwatson) - Reality Squared
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Excited Exhaustion" and the author sums it up as follows: This post is a summary of my feeling about my first week so that in the future I can look back and remember all the great things that happened this week and help me focus on what needs to happen to help next week go a bit better. A memorable quotation from the post is: One day, I hope I can pay that forward for another new teacher.
My reactions: I am SO right there with her right now. I am probably the least prepared at this point in my 20 years. It usually takes me 3-4 weeks to find my school groove.
Brendan K (@tinmousetrap) - TinMousetrap
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "A Goal for The First Week of School" and the author sums it up as follows: I have a goal this year to avoid rushing through course expectations, policies, and procedures as a 'file-it-away' formality. I would love to have different outlines for different class that carefully reflect my expectations for them. No more 'cookie-cutter' handouts! A memorable quotation from the post is: As for my other classes during the first week, my goal is to provide a more authentic vision of my expectations.
My reactions: Another newbie to SBG. He has some solid goals for the start of his year.
Dorrie Bright (@hwalksintoabar) - h walks into a bar
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "Within these walls" and the author sums it up as follows: Anticipation and creating space (creating space and anticipation?) A memorable quotation from the post is: Gratitude for process.
My reactions: Dorrie is teaching Physics in a new space to her that needs transformed for her needs. Looks like she has some neat stuff and I hope she'll post some pictures.
Bernt Jolicoeur (@brentjolicoeur) - Reflections & Transformations
The first post for the Blogging Initiation is titled "(NBI) Improvements to Make This Year" and the author sums it up as follows: I've tried to summarize my personal goals for improvement this year. I have also touched on some of the other week 1 prompts in my initial blog posts I think. A memorable quotation from the post is: My primary foci of change for this year revolves around this key theme. (I have no idea??)
My reactions: Brent sets three goals for himself this year. They sound very similar to goals I set for myself every year.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
New Math Bloggers: Need Help?
Sam Shah has put together an amazing challenge for new math bloggers. It was so amazing that he got almost 200 respondents (who knew there were that many people wanting to blog about math teaching?). There are about 10 of us who have offered to help out by featuring these new bloggers on their own blog. I am one of these "experienced bloggers."
Like Sue VanHattum, I also wanted to offer help. If it weren't for the encouragement of many in the math twitterblogosphere (such as Julie, Kristen, and Shelli), I wouldn't have gotten very far. So, like Sue, I am going to offer some help for up to 5 new bloggers who need some encouragement. If you have questions and would like some answers from someone who's been there, post in the comments, please. I'll take the first 5. You can then email me at lmhenry9 at gmail and I'll answer them.
Meanwhile, I look forward to hear what you all have to say!
Like Sue VanHattum, I also wanted to offer help. If it weren't for the encouragement of many in the math twitterblogosphere (such as Julie, Kristen, and Shelli), I wouldn't have gotten very far. So, like Sue, I am going to offer some help for up to 5 new bloggers who need some encouragement. If you have questions and would like some answers from someone who's been there, post in the comments, please. I'll take the first 5. You can then email me at lmhenry9 at gmail and I'll answer them.
Meanwhile, I look forward to hear what you all have to say!
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