As the year is coming to an end, I have been thinking about steps I am going to take to improve my teaching practices, to help all my students and to grow myself as an individual. Being a classroom teacher does not leave me with a lot of time and energy to think…I am hoping this will help me keep my priorities at the forefront of my mind…even when that’s the last place I look for them!Here is THE list!
1. Be Courageous: I will try not to be afraid of trying new things, of being open to more ideas. I will seize every opportunity I can, to get out of my comfort zone…whether that is trying a new teaching technique or talking about that technique in front of an audience.
2. Listen More, Speak Less: I will listen to my students more. Everything they say matter to me and I will make sure I give them every opportunity to express themselves…in class and outside. I will try to plan lessons which are more student centered and gives them the agency to inquire and explore. Instead of being a sage on the stage, I will be a guide on the side.
3. Homework: I will be more cognizant of what I am assigning as homework and why. I will try to get away from repetitive worksheets and focus on problems which form connections and are more open ended. Mathematical Mindsets (Jo Boaler) has made me take another look at ‘Practice makes perfect’ system I grew up with.
4. Assessments: I will revamp assessments of at least 5 units I teach. I want students to be able to show me their understanding and not just regurgitate the procedural knowledge. I worked on 2 units this year (Exponents and Probability), hope to work on a few more next year.
5.Leveling: I am not saying I will fix leveling in 2020, but I will work on it. This year I have struggled with its affects and causes, pros and cons. Next year, I will focus on what I can do about it…research, talk to decision makers, talk to teachers…I am open to all ideas.
Lastly, I will be KIND…to others and to myself. I will practice self care and I will take on only what I can manage. Easier said than done, when I have just agreed to teach a whole new course next year…
Ms. Kant's Math World! 