The biggest resource that I hope to have to accomplish my GAME plan is the help and support of colleagues. This is only my third year teaching and my third year teaching with the teachers I’m teaching with. In the past year I have noticed a division in our mathematics department because one other teacher and I are actively trying to progress our school’s mathematics program into the 21st century and use student-directed lessons that utilize technology. Many of the teachers in our department are very happy using direct instruction and don’t want to change that. Without the support of the other teachers in the department, it also makes it harder to get newer technology that we desperately need.
Anyways, until that happens I plan to utilize the internet for ideas and resources that will help me to find activities and projects that allow students to be creative. I actually did come up with one idea for a unit I am currently teaching to inspire creativity in my students. The unit we are working on is using ratios, percentages, fractions, and differences to make comparisons, particularly in advertisements. Over the next few days, because we have shortened class periods, my students are going to be creating an advertisement for a product where they have to use a percentage, fraction, or difference in their advertisement. Their advertisement can also be made using any means they would like - poster, PowerPoint, Publisher, etc.
I am still struggling with how to create a technology-enriched environment that allows students to explore their curiosities in Math while still making sure they are meeting the academic standards. This is where I need more help and information. Attending a conference or seminar may help as well as conversing with other teachers on a blog or wiki site.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
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Having the help and support of collegues can be a good resource. I wish you luck in working towards getting that. Sometimes it does take one or two people to step outside the box to show others what can be accomplished through new things.
ReplyDeleteAs far as trying to get technology equipment without a lot of support from your collegues you might want to look into various trainings offered by the makers of the technology tools. Many times they provide some free tools for participating in the trainings. One of the math teachers in my school got a classroom set of TI-Inspire calculators that way.
Laura Ricker
I didn't realize that we were both third-year teachers and I know exactly how you are feeling. While I am very lucky to work with a group of teachers who are very supportive, I still am hesitant about introducing a new way to do something they already do. Sometimes when I come up with a new idea, I go to another teacher first in order to discuss my thoughts. If she likes the idea, we then go to our team as partners. Having someone else to back me up boosts my confidence. You and the teachers that are on the same 21st century "wave length" could possibly hold a "training" in order to show the other teachers how to use the technology that is already available. It could simply be that the other teachers are wary due to their lack of knowledge.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Thanks for the ideas! I have been in communication with other teachers and they seem more supportive and jump on board as long as it doesn't involve much wor for them. It certainly is a struggle and I don't want to force my ideas upon others. Unfortuantely money is also tight (as it always is) so there isn't money available for the school to pay for worshops or seminars. It would have to be free or I would have to pay for it out of pocket.
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