Ah-Ha Moments

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I have always tried to incorporate a lot of discussion and clarification within my math classroom. I want my students to know why they do something in within math class, rather than simply to how to do it. However, this year I have really taken it farther by assessing my students both formally and informally with much more open-ended activities. Within my formal assessments I have provided them with opportunities to validate their work through explanation in context. This has really allowed me to see the conceptions that they are making about how the content is applied within the real-world not just within the class.

I have also encouraged my students to submit journal entries throughout the grading period in which they can select from a list of prompts relating to mathematics and respond. This has given me a lot of feedback concerning what they are struggling with or at the same time, the areas that they are making great strides in order for me to better meet their needs. I think that my Kenan Fellows experience has opened my eyes to the need for students to be able to express themselves in a variety of manners. I think that these things have allowed me to see the “Ah-Ha” moments for my students much more easily and has truly been made me a better teacher!