Math is a part of everyday life. It is all around us if we just open up our eyes, wonder, and investigate. Students are always saying where will I used this math in the real world and why do I need to learn this? Some of these attitudes come from parents because I’ve heard them say I’m not good at math, this new math is crazy, or I hate math. I would like to help build math communities among my students, school classroom partners, parents, and community partners to help change this mindset. Through each of these partnerships I want them to uncover some of the ways that math is used in everyday life. During teamwork, learning about community partners careers, and sharing with parents I think these collaborations will bring aha moments and increase one another knowledge and understanding about math. I believe if they can make connections and it will help them to have a growth mindset about math.
The classroom community and other partnership will implement TPACK with the math content they have learned in the classroom by using simple technology and digital technology. The results of this ImagineIT should produce students explanation of math connections to the real world, their explanation of the impact of collaboration, and the importance of building communities. Students will have a choice to present this year long project in book form,video, or their creative choice.
Performance of Understanding
To help build a growth mindset in math I am excited about implementing new technology in the classroom by using Google Classroom, Flip Classroom, Kahoot, allowing students to create math videos, and other creative tools. This should help with transferring their knowledge, help with flexibility, and give an opportunity for creativity. These formative assessments will give students and I time for reflections, guide my instruction, and give students feedback. There will be short quizzes through google forms. This will give me an opportunity to make comments and ask questions. Throughout the units students will create videos based on content and discuss the math connection and relationships. I plan to use Flip Classroom at least once a week by assigning videos for homework and completing homework in class. Students will reflect on video and share notes based on what they learned from homework. There summative assessment will include TPACK and they will be given simple technology so they create something related to the content. This will allow them time to reflect and write about what they learn based on their creation. My Deep Play Group is researching problem based learning so I look forward to some those activities in the classroom. All of the lessons, activities, and collaboration should help build community and change mindset about math. Based on lessons and assessments the end results of each student project should read like a summary with a beginning, middle, and end.
Learning Experience and Instruction
My ImagineIT project will be implemented with both my 5th grade math classes. I taught 5th grade math once before Common Core State Standards so I will be embarking upon new territory along with teaching 6th grade math for the first time. I plan to implement my project in stages as I get used to all the newness and change. The wonderful thing is I’ve taught most of the students before. Majority of my students are from the North Lawndale neighborhood and have limited access to technology but most have access to a smartphone in the household. This may be a challenged with the Flip Classroom and students doing homework watching videos. I will have to schedule Flip classroom days appropriately so I can provide access to technology for those students.
The curriculum we use is EnvisionMath and it includes different technology components with videos and hands on activities with the smartboard located in my classroom. These tools and other strategies help keep students engaged. Students enjoy the curriculum, the visuals, and the interactive video games. My instruction includes partners and student centered approach because students enjoy learning from one another. Turn and talk is used during whole group lessons and math talks throughout the school year. Throughout the unit there is at least one or two read alouds using math literature books or magazines related to the math standard. I share a laptop cart with the 5th grade science teacher so students will have access at least twice per week. I will also participate in scheduling the Ipad cart for each class. Students will also use various art supplies to build their simple creative ideas according to the math content unit.