Final Reflection Blog

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Question 1:  What did you learn about this instructional technique that you did not know prior to your implementation?

     I learned that writing in mathematics is a powerful teaching technique.  Writing in math class provide students with the opportunity to detail their thinking.  Students may know the process required to solve a mathematical problem.  However, can they explain the process?  Writing in mathematics provide teachers with the opportunity to assess the understanding of their students.  Learners are not just providing the answer, but they are describing how they problem solved. 

Question 2:  What did you learn about your students that you did not know prior to your implementation?

     I learned that my students are paying attention during teaching time.  As a teacher, you have those moments when you wonder if your students are even paying attention.  I have concluded they are even when your mind believe they a focused on something else.  My students were so excited when I told them they were going to create an anchor chart focusing on a math strategy they have learned.  I was impressed with each group. They created a plan for the draft, identified important facts, provided examples and working together to write the information on the anchor chart.  

     Also, I learned that students can find the purpose for writing in math.  They understand the importance of being able to explain why their thinking is correct.  Learners are able to identify why they can solve a problem one way, but the other strategy may not work.  Also, talking about math is just as critical as writing about math.  Discussing math allow learners to verbalize their understanding  about problem solving.  Teachers and other classmates are able to hear a learner explain their knowledge about mathematical topics.

Question 3:  What did you learn about yourself as a classroom teacher that you did not know prior to your implementation?

     I learned that writing can and should be implemented across various subjects.  I am constantly thinking of ways to integrate subjects and this assignment has demonstrated that writing is task that can accommodate all areas of education.  This assignment has caused me to grow as an educator.  I have transformed my mindset about education and what can be done within the classroom.  I learned about the importance of providing students with the freedom to write.  Spending less time focusing on the mechanics of writing and more on the flexibility of writing.  Allowing students to just write will result in the development of learners who enjoy writing.  

Question 4:  So now what??  What does all of this learning mean for you moving forward?

     I will continue to incorporate writing and mathematics because these past ten days have been informative.  Being able to understand the thinking of my students has affected the way I educate and what I plan to teach.  I will continue to express and show my students the importance of writing.  I will share with my coworkers the impact writing has had on my instructional practices.  I am excited about moving forward as an educator because I will continue to learn new ways to positively impact the lives of my students.