An "Old Math Dog" Learning New Tricks
I have taught for 20 years and I still have a lot to learn.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
My Blog is Moving
Please adjust your links accordingly. Thanks! :-)
Sunday, June 09, 2013
My Weekly Diigo Links (weekly)
-
Cheese Cracker Square Root Showdown | Mr. Vaudrey's Class
Using square cheese crackers to estimate square roots.
tags: square roots
-
Rational Expressions: Visual Exponential Patterns
Michael's take on exponential patterns.
tags: exponentials patterns
-
Out Rockin' Constantly: Exponents Rules are Lame.
On teaching exponent rules.
-
Some Random Things I Have Liked | Continuous Everywhere but Differentiable Nowhere
Sam's approach to antiderivatives and area under a curve.
tags: calculus antiderivatives areas
-
Questions?: I Love Me Some ExamView
Creating dynamic questions in examview.
tags: examview
-
Exam Review That Doesn’t Suck | Megan Hayes-Golding
Some suggestions from Megan for review for Final Exams.
tags: review
-
Waterfall Trivia Howto | Megan Hayes-Golding
How to create Waterfall Trivia review.
tags: review games
-
The Wall of Champions | Mathy McMatherson
How Daniel encouraged his students to work towards 5s on his assessments.
tags: sbg motivation
-
Scope and Sequence for Algebra 1 and Geometry from Glenn
-
Differentiation in Math Class – MS Sunday Funday | I Speak Math
Differentiation in various classes - audience is Middle School, but it is still applicable no matter what the grade level.
tags: differentiation
-
My Introduction to Rational Functions | Continuous Everywhere but Differentiable Nowhere
Sam's introduction to rational functions.
tags: rational expressions alg2
-
cheesemonkey wonders: Substitution with stars
Using a paper star to represent an expression in substitution.
-
The Binomial Theorem Jigsaw | mathcoachblog
Jigsaw activity for the binomial theorem.
tags: binomial theorem alg2
-
Math Review: Secret Phrase Scavenger Hunt | mathcoachblog
Review exercise with problems on the worksheet and answers posted around the room with a letter that is part of a phrase.
tags: review games
-
Zombie Attack and Exponential Growth (What to do after state testing…) | Maximizing Learning
Exponential growth activity.
tags: exponentials alg2
-
Out Rockin' Constantly: I Shall Never Play a Review Game Again!
Practice using a game he calls "Grudge" - get the question right and you can erase someone's x. Each student starts with 3 x's.
tags: practice review games
-
Cool Cat Teacher Blog: 89 lesson plans and ideas for teaching math - #mathchat
Lesson plans and ideas for teaching math
tags: lesson plans resources
-
Problems website recommended by Fawn.
tags: problems
-
Finding Ways to Nguyen Students Over: Fraction Division via Rectangles
Great visual explanation using rectangles/graph paper of how division of fractions works.
-
Teaching Statistics: Wrapping it up - Embedded Formative Assessment
Shelli's summary of some formative assessment strategies she would like to implement in her classroom next year.
tags: formative assessment
-
Interactive Notebooks | Megan Hayes-Golding
Megan's Intro to Interactive Notebooks.
tags: interactive notebooks
-
Mr. Gillespie's Office: 12 Steps to Creating a Successful Redo and Retake Policy
12 Steps to Creating a Successful Redo and Retake Policy | @rggillespie http://t.co/eaFSQS2iIi
-
ADHD As A Difference In Cognition, Not A Disorder: Stephen Tonti at TEDxCMU - YouTube
ADHD As A Difference In Cognition, Not A Disorder: Stephen Tonti TEDx http://t.co/4gGjj7OfJj moving and significant via @lostinrecursion
-
http://katm.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/flipbooks/High-School-CCSS-Flip-Book-USD-259-2012.pdf
Kansas' Flip Book for CCSS.
-
The Mathematics Common Core Toolbox
Resources for implementing Common Core from the Dana Center.
-
Algebra 1 Common Core Resource
-
Math Tales from the Spring: Christmas Tree Linear Art Project
Christmas tree linear art - domain values also used.
tags: graphing domain linear equations
-
Math Mama Writes...: Math Game: Risk Your Beginning Algebra Skills
Risk review game - I think I have this somewhere else by someone else.
tags: review games
-
Review game in teams
tags: review games
-
Approaching Infinity: WCYDWT: Parking Lots
Angle parking vs. perpendicular parking
tags: area
-
misscalcul8: Systems of Equations: Substitution
Using index cards to demonstrate substitution in solving systems of equations.
-
misscalcul8: Balloon Pop: A Review Game
Review game for teams
tags: review games
-
We Built This City | Maximizing Learning
Design a city with parallel lines and transversals.
tags: geometry parallels transversals
-
Free Online Graph Paper / Grid Paper PDFs
Online graph paper in pdf format
tags: graph paper
-
High Heels in High School: Quadratic Functions Foldable
Quadratic Foldable @MsMac622 http://t.co/L0yxKrIAUk
-
SCOE: Resources: Instruction: Common Core Standards: Mathematics
CCSS Tasks http://t.co/WbnCbJoNAP
-
Math in the Middle: Doing "The Claw"
A song to the tune of The Monster Mash for "the claw" - drawing the arcs to show distributing terms.
-
Piecewise Functions Worksheet | Continuous Everywhere but Differentiable Nowhere
Sam's take on piecewise functions.
tags: piecewise functions
-
Math is not a spectator sport… | Continuous Everywhere but Differentiable Nowhere
Sam's thoughts on having students practice in class.
-
Math Hunt – Time for Targeted Help | I Speak Math
Practice in class with problems arranged in order and students assigned a problem to begin with.
tags: practice differentiation
-
square root of negative one teach math: My New Trick: Silence.
How Amy used silence with her Calculus kids to work through a problem.
-
Amazing Algebra Tiles | I Speak Math
How Julie uses Algebra tiles
tags: algebra tiles alg1
-
Factoring Non-Monic Quadratics | Patterns in Practice
Another way to factor quadratics with a not equal to 1.
-
Homework - David Truss :: Pair-a-dimes for Your Thoughts
Thoughts on homework
tags: homework
-
misscalcul8: Multiplying Binomials
How Elissa teaches multiplying two binomials.
tags: multiplying binomials alg1
-
Factoring with X-Puzzles and Boxes | I Speak Math
Has links for the diamond (x) problems - Julie uses the same x-box method that I use for factoring.
-
MATHO Review Game – Powerpoint Template | I Speak Math
MATHO review game
tags: review games
-
Math Teacher Mambo: Ribbon Hanging and Paper Foldables
Displaying papers on ribbon hot glued to the wall.
tags: display
-
Sweeney Math: How I see exponent rules (and log rules)
How Sean sees exponent and log rules - powers/roots go down to multiplication/division, which goes down to addition/subtraction.
tags: exponents logarithms alg1 alg2
-
Function Family Scrapbook Project | Megan Hayes-Golding
Showing function transformations in scrapbook form.
tags: transformations function
-
Hot Dog Folds | Megan Hayes-Golding
Foldable for transformations
tags: foldables transformations
-
Math Mama Writes...: Math Relax: Getting More Comfortable with Taking Tests
How to solve a problem - 4 steps
tags: problem solving
-
Learning Through Problem Solving (LTPS) – Defined | Zero-Knowledge Proofs
Learning Through Problem Solving series - part 1 of 7. Links to the other parts are at the top of the post.
tags: problem solving
-
Sweeney Math: f(u) Calculus Song!
Sean Sweeney's f(u) Song - on derivative rules
tags: calculus derivatives
-
Without Geometry, Life is Pointless: Teaching Problem Solving, Part 2: Some Problems...
Teaching Problem Solving - some problems
tags: problem solving
-
Without Geometry, Life is Pointless: Teaching Problem Solving, Part 1: Starting with a Good Problem
Teaching Problem Solving - characteristics of a good math problem.
tags: problem solving
-
Flyswatter Review Game – Powerpoint Template | I Speak Math
Julie's Flyswatter Review Game
tags: review games
-
12 Puzzle and Quiz Creation tools for teachers
Puzzle and Quiz Creation websites
tags: review games
-
dy/dan » Blog Archive » [anyqs] Two Weeks Later
On writing an anyqs type problem.
tags: anyqs
-
Math Teacher Mambo: Units Conversion
Unit conversion with area using an algebraic approach (divide both sides by 12 to change from inches to feet)
tags: geometry unit conversion
-
I Want to Teach Forever: 5 More Consumer Math Ideas for Parents & Teachers
Consumer math possibilities
tags: math consumer math
-
Summertime Geometry Scavenger Hunt | mathchat
Finding geometric figures in road signs
tags: geometry
-
To Reassess (or, how to make more work for me) | Continuous Everywhere but Differentiable Nowhere
How Sam handles reassessments
tags: sbg reassessing
-
Geometry SBG Concept list » A Recursive Process
Dan's Geometry SBG List
-
Beautiful Weather Graphs and Maps - WeatherSpark
Creates weather graphs that could be used in class.
tags: graphs
-
f(t): Virtual Conference on Core Values: Mistakes are Made
Kate's post on making mistakes and how she celebrates them.
-
Union, Intersection and the Empty Set | MathFour
How to explain intersection and union with a cup.
tags: intersection union algebra
-
Participation Quizzes | Continuous Everywhere but Differentiable Nowhere
Participation Quizzes - groupwork quizzes.
tags: group work
-
Math Teacher Mambo: TI-nspire Start Up Worksheet
A scavenger hunt on the TI-Inspire. Maybe do one for TI-83/84?
tags: graphing calculator
-
Sentence Frames | Maximizing Learning
How Amber starts her Algebra 1 class - has the key definitions of the day and a word bank for students to fill in.
tags: definitions alg1 bellringers
-
What’s the Question? | Learning to Fold
From Ashli - What is the question? Students have to figure out what the question is from the answers given.
tags: discussion
-
Subversive Lab Grouping Game | Action-Reaction
How Frank does groups for the first time.
tags: groups
-
I know I’m doing it right when… :: the Max Ray Blog
Interesting thoughts from Max on when things are going right in the classroom.
-
Note Cards are Magic | Maximizing Learning
How Amber uses notecards in her class.
tags: classroom management
-
Math Taboo | Continuous Everywhere but Differentiable Nowhere
Sam's take on Math Taboo.
tags: vocabulary review games
-
square root of negative one teach math: Sticker Survey
Sticker Survey of questions we normally ask on the first day.
tags: day1
-
Math Tales from the Spring: New Student Folders
New student folders for students who move in mid-year.
tags: organziation
-
Measuring Mastery | Maximizing Learning
Some formative assessment activities for the end of the period.
tags: formative assessment
-
The Smallest Twine: I arrived at it independently!!
Jackie points out what students are doing right.
tags: classroom management
-
f(t): Algebra 2: Solving Absolute Value Equations
How Kate uses symbols to help show how to solve absolute value equations.
tags: absolute value alg1
-
Introducing scientific notation using text messages | mathemagical molly
Using text speak to introduce scientific notation.
tags: scientific notation
-
Parallelogram Mazes & Introducing Proof | Mathy McMatherson
Parallel lines and transversals - congruent angles.
tags: geometry transversals
-
square root of negative one teach math: My Favorite Partner Practice
Boss/Secretary - partner practice.
tags: review
-
The Garden Problem | brain open now
The Garden Problem
-
Cri de coeur | Confidently Limited
Philosophy of teaching math questions.
tags: teaching
Thursday, June 06, 2013
What Should Students Leave Algebra 1 Knowing
So, I pose the question to you, dear readers. What do you think the five most important skills and/or concepts that a student master in Algebra 1? If you happen to know where they fall in the Common Core State Standards, that would be helpful, too. Thanks!
Tuesday, June 04, 2013
Change, it's a comin'
I have to say that I was a little sad that I wasn't teaching Algebra 2 next year. However, now that I have had a week or so to think about it and for it to sink in, I am looking forward to the change. I will be teaching some of the same content that I have taught, although I am still trying to figure out how much of it filters to Algebra 1. What has also sunk in is that I will have to do yet another curriculum map and Learning Target list. Now, I have to figure out where to start in terms of the Common Core. After talking to our county math person, I think I am going to begin with what the Dana Center has for Algebra 1 and then adjusting for the PARCC Model Content Frameworks since we are in a PARCC state. I am still debating how much of the original Appendix A I will use since my understanding was that it is a guideline for the courses.
Then, of course, come the questions in my mind of how I am going to structure my course with Standards Based Grading. With having almost all freshmen, I know that I will need to have some sort of structure to incorporate homework into it. Without having that, I am certain that the students won't practice problems outside of class. I am also going to need to incorporate more in class practice as well. Lots of things bouncing around in my head right now.
So, as Summer 2013 begins, I am still working. Starting first to decide on how my Algebra 1 course will be structured, then moving towards finding the resources to help me. Should be an interesting summer...
Sunday, June 02, 2013
My Weekly Diigo Links (weekly)
-
Secondary One Curriculum - Mathematics Vision Project | MVP
Wow, Utah is ON IT. They have some really nice stuff. http://t.co/7Swf8NkknA
-
The Effect of the Common Core Standards on Teachers and the Teaching Profession « edlibertywatch.org
The Effect of the Common Core Standards on Teachers and the Teaching Profession http://t.co/FVwHTgXNkB … #EndFedEd #StopCommonCore
tags: EndFedEd StopCommonCore
-
A Teacher Keeps Learning: Sweet Radian Success
Teaching radians
tags: radians trigonometry precalc
-
Teaching Math Rocks!: Vocabulary-->Taboo!
Taboo with math vocabulary
tags: vocabulary review games
-
Kate's lesson on completing the square.
-
Folding Stories and Math | Bowman in Arabia
Folding story derivative problems.
tags: calculus derivatives
-
My Web 2.0 Journey: Trig stations
Trig Stations - war, radians (unit circle) , etc.
tags: trigonometry precalc stations
-
MathEd.net: Sorting Out the Summative: When Standards-Based Grading Meets the End of the Semester
How he does scoring of semester exams with SBG.
-
Math in the Middle: Candy Guess
Have students guess a number with a candy prize. Clues she used were in the comments.
tags: games number guess
-
Kate's lesson structure
tags: lesson plans
-
Card sort of segments in triangles.
-
I Hope This Old Train Breaks Down...: Focusing on Process and Learning from Our Mistakes
Analyzing errors
tags: error_analysis
-
misscalcul8: Factoring ax^2 + bx + c
Factoring with the x - no box (uses grouping)
-
Apps in Education: 10 Tools for Getting the Most from Dropbox
Dropbox tools
tags: dropbox
-
Math Mama Writes...: Risk: Betting on Your Expertise
Risk - review game
tags: review games
-
I Want to Teach Forever: Feed Your Students a Hot Cup of Alphabet Slope
Sloping Letters activity
-
Success » CCSS, homework, and a change in how I teach
Guided notes from Glenn
tags: notes
-
My Web 2.0 Journey: Procrastination...
Sinbad and Cosette slide show - for trig
tags: trigonometry precalc
-
square root of negative one teach math: Teaching Them to Persevere
How Amy taught her students to persevere.
-
Don't Panic, The Answer is 42: Systems of Equations Scavenger Hunt
A created systems of equations scavenger hunt as a final assessment.
tags: systems of equations alg1
-
Don't Panic, The Answer is 42: Perfect Squares and Perfect Cubes
Writing a code with the numbers of the alphabet squared.
tags: perfect squares alg1
-
DOING MATHEMATICS: A Lesson Format - DOING MATHEMATICS
Lesson design format.
tags: lesson design
-
Excel Flashcards template | Teaching ninJa
An Excel flashcards template.
tags: flashcards templates
-
Tarsia Jigsaws | Reflections in the Why
Has a logarithms jigsaw in the post.
tags: alg2 logarithms
-
Recent Quadratics Stuffs from Algebra II | Continuous Everywhere but Differentiable Nowhere
Sam's stuff from his Quadratics unit in Algebra 2.
tags: alg1 alg2 quadratics
-
I Hope This Old Train Breaks Down...: Drilling Exponents
How Mimi practiced Exponents in her classroom.
-
I Hope This Old Train Breaks Down...: Going Sloooooooow on Exponent Rules
Exponent Rules development worksheets
-
My Friday Ritual | Altering the Course
How John Berray recognizes students each week in his class.
tags: recognition
-
The Wall of Remediation (Or: My Low-Tech Version of Khan Academy) | Mathy McMatherson
Mathy McMatherson's Wall of Remediation (in class place with additional practice problems for Algebra help).
tags: remediation
-
Questions?: On Problem Solving
Quote from Phil Daro about the difference between American and Japanese math teachers.
-
Please unleash yourselves in the comments, my Twit
http://t.co/WwEV3rtBXK Please unleash yourselves in the comments, my Twitter friends!
-
@lmhenry9 just found this alg1 blog http://t.co/YaZRROAG4m
-
Developing Mathematical Practice in High School | Mathematical Practices Institute
Hey, we're offering a great course for HS teachers around the CCSS math practices: http://t.co/JUrDUOvjNj Let me know if you have questions!
-
Dancing Commas: File Folder games
@pamjwilson I do a lot of matching cards with questions and answers... this would just give more organization to it http://t.co/peRgookJAm
-
Practice and Pilot Tests | Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium
Smarter Balanced Practice and Pilot Tests
-
tons more strategies http://t.co/3PO4y60u1d
tags: strategies teaching
-
Marsha Foshee's PreCalculus Live Binder
tags: precalc
-
Kristen Fouss' Live Binder with Precalc resources
tags: precalc
-
http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/91244831/answers.pdf
Answers to test marked earlier (ACT)
-
Question bank for exams - also CCSS.
-
Semester and Final Exam review materials for Algebra 1
-
Drawing On Math: CCSS Pathways
CCSS Pathways http://t.co/mRNDNNiEHU via @crstn85 #math blog
tags: CCSS
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Homework and SBG
However, I am not real thrilled about putting in some sort of homework grade. I feel that if it's practice, they shouldn't be graded on correctness. They are still learning the material and won't necessarily have it all correct. When I used to grade homework, I did it by completion - 5 points all done, 3 points partially done, 0 points not done (or not much). I don't want to go back to that - it would put a huge imbalance towards homework/practice problems based on how I do my grading now.
So, what do you do about homework/practice problems when you are doing Standards Based Grading? I know true SBG doesn't factor in homework at all. For my students, I don't think that is the best answer. How would you incorporate a homework/practice problems grade to help encourage students to do the practice problems? Or what would you do differently to ensure that students do practice? I look forward to your comments.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Things I Have Forgotten
As my last class was working on the review and I was making the rounds, it hit me. When I design activities that "force" them to work, most students do what is needed to be done. When they actually practice, they do well. What I have been doing in the classroom this year has not done that well at all. The best students will practice the homework problems, but for the most part, since I am not grading the homework and I am not sitting there finding a way to make them do the problems, many do not practice as they should.
So, how do I restructure my class to make sure that my students practice their mathematics? How do I provide enough structure that they feel they can attempt the problems on their own without being the "sage on the stage?" I feel that the guided notes I have created to help them take notes has helped, however, there are still too many who don't even bother to fill them in. Without having a textbook right now for students to refer to for help, I still feel that giving some direct instruction with guided notes is important. I also realize that they need in class practice time without it being a social/free-for-all time. How do I blend it all together?
Sunday, May 19, 2013
My Weekly Diigo Links (weekly)
-
Intersections | The Adventures of Captain Packer and Team Awesome
we had our launch party for our online journal, and it went super spectacularly! here it is, finally published: http://t.co/hn8OGmK6oW
-
Harvard Kennedy School - New Study Examines Benefits of Freshman High School Math Intervention
RT @Harvard: New study examines benefits of freshman high school math intervention http://t.co/yP8dLRVcVS
-
5 Mobile Apps To Help Teachers & Students Adapt To The Common Core Standards
5 Mobile Apps To Help Teachers & Students Adapt To The Common Core Standards http://t.co/rEPIvzYTG1 via @zite
-
7 Habits Of Highly-Effective Teachers Who Effectively Use Technology
7 Habits Of Highly-Effective Teachers Who Effectively Use Technology http://t.co/Z2ZtVwCFB0
-
Worksheets and Differentiation – Not Always Mutually Exclusive! | mathcoachblog
Bob Lochel's differentiation strategy for practice problems (point based).
tags: differentiation
-
Long tails of \int_e^r est: Precal Problems
Review problems for trig parts of PreCalc
tags: precalc
Sunday, May 12, 2013
My Weekly Diigo Links (weekly)
-
60On trusting the algorithm too much | Quarters Magazine
Love and "On Trusting the Algorithm Too Much" http://t.co/B8PYbnys8A #algorithmchat
tags: algorithmchat
-
ACT Plans to Move to Computer-Based Exam - NYTimes.com
ACT Plans to Move to Computer-Based Exam http://t.co/lKqsdx2rl0
-
Have questions about Student Learning Objectives in Ohio? This new FAQ document can help. http://t.co/jpjtR8hunf #ohioed
tags: ohioed
-
Students should be pattern sni
@maxmathforum Students should be pattern sniffers, tinkerers, guessers, experimenters, describers, visualizers… http://t.co/GoT1JTnLKM
-
Common Core Standards: Mathematics
Have you seen this? Bank of questions/exercises based on #CCSSM http://t.co/GOayiubjdl
tags: CCSSM
-
Mathematics teaching reduced to 'Does' & 'Don'ts' : 04th may13 ~ E-Pao! Headlines
Mathematics teaching reduced to 'Does' & 'Don'ts' http://t.co/CEZADcaTc7 "teachers generally concentrate on the 'how' part" Agree? #matchat
tags: matchat
-
MeTA musings: SBG is more than teach, test, reassess [A fable]
How SBG should work.
tags: sbg
Sunday, May 05, 2013
My Weekly Diigo Links (weekly)
-
Have you seem this version of a CCSSM content map?
Have you seem this version of a CCSSM content map? http://t.co/xqGgKD8hYc
-
It's Just Common Sense.: Common Core - Good or Evil
A must read for anyone with questions about the Common Core or anyone with reservations. http://t.co/gmRmKcXpzr