Last week I wrote a
post related to a young girl's suggestions for successful math study. As I posted earlier, I didn't give her the time her suggestions were worth. So today, I met with a large group of math students to discuss study habits and routines. As I expected their favored methods for best study and practice differed a lot from one to another. As I listened, I knew that the best answer from the teacher's point of view was to use a menu approach to home study that included a variety of activities and levels for best result. I also realized that I had to shore up some of our routines for passing in homework, feedback, and coaching.
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| Student created homework pass-in area. |
As a result of that conversation, one helpful student created a homework pass-in area as depicted in the photo to the right. I also created a
survey based on their responses. Students will take the survey today.
In the end, I'll synthesize the child's original comment, today's discussion, and the survey results into a revised math home study format which will begin after vacation. I'll also use the process, survey, and results to model an upcoming standards-based student survey project--a project that combines meaningful school data, fractions, line plots, and analysis.
To summarize, whenever a member of the learning team, whether it be a student, parent, colleague, leader, or community member, has something to say, it pays to listen and respond as it's the work we do together that truly makes a positive difference for the teaching/learning community.
Update
Here's a snapshot of student responses:
