A Math Teacher who Writes (or a Writer who DOES MATH). Charles Bukowski said: "I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say" Seems like a perfectly fine rationale to me.
Showing posts with label inquiry video. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inquiry video. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Teacher Inquiry: Some more videos
So, as I've said in earlier posts, this year I am involved in an inquiry project with teachers from my cohort of the Bay Area Writing Project.
My question: What is the nature of discourse in my middle school math class?
I have several sources of information.
The one I am focussing on using at this time is video. I want to see both how I present material (ideas, cues, vocal style and physical style), how my students react to what they hear from me, and how they contribute to the conversation: both constructively and not.
I will be posting two short videos: one where I present the latest Problem of the Week and another where students are working at their table groups with y=mx+b.
I notice in both videos a very relaxed environment. My voice is extremely understated. I sound nice, I respond to students clearly, but at the same time, I speak slowly and a little lilt is in there. I believe my intention is to cue when what I say is important to hear: but I wonder whether this is what my students are hearing from this.
It was interesting, though, that when they asked about the video came (FLIP), I told them I was examining how I spoke in class, in part due to some feedback that I have a monotonous voice. Several key players in the class emphasized that I shouldn't worry about this: that I shouldn't have to change my voice. I think I agreed with them superficially, but I also recognize that I can pick up the speed, be a little less meditative in tone, while still maintaining a comprehensible flow of information in the class.
My question: What is the nature of discourse in my middle school math class?
I have several sources of information.
The one I am focussing on using at this time is video. I want to see both how I present material (ideas, cues, vocal style and physical style), how my students react to what they hear from me, and how they contribute to the conversation: both constructively and not.
I will be posting two short videos: one where I present the latest Problem of the Week and another where students are working at their table groups with y=mx+b.
I notice in both videos a very relaxed environment. My voice is extremely understated. I sound nice, I respond to students clearly, but at the same time, I speak slowly and a little lilt is in there. I believe my intention is to cue when what I say is important to hear: but I wonder whether this is what my students are hearing from this.
It was interesting, though, that when they asked about the video came (FLIP), I told them I was examining how I spoke in class, in part due to some feedback that I have a monotonous voice. Several key players in the class emphasized that I shouldn't worry about this: that I shouldn't have to change my voice. I think I agreed with them superficially, but I also recognize that I can pick up the speed, be a little less meditative in tone, while still maintaining a comprehensible flow of information in the class.
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