Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Success!

After tough days trying to figure it out today was a day of success.  In the past week 4 of the PLC's all tried strong math tasks to find huge success.

     - Pre-Algebra used a version of Dan Meyers taco cart
     - Algebra 1 created a task using Goliath.  Great Americas new coaster.
     - Algebra 2 created a task dealing with different shipping rates.
     - AP Statistics created a task that involved the game show "Minute ti Win It."

Those fully completed noted tons of engagement and really good questioning.  One even said "kids who didn't really talk thus year became leaders!"  This us why we do TASKS.  Now, the great questions that followed:

      - how long is too long to use class time for a task?
Depends on its purpose.  Is it a review of knowledge?  Then not too long.  However, if ur is increasing depth and the level of engagement and knowledge still being gained is deep, then keep going.  Can it serve as a summatives assessment?  Most teachers fight this due to the need for skill but uf the skill is embedded in the task then doesn't that make it ok?

      - how much information should we give students?
The less the better.  However, more at the start of the year than the end.  Students are still mostly new to tasks.  We need to train them how to do them are what our expectations are of the product.

      - how far should we take the task?
Simple, as far as students allow you to take it.

All these tasks will soon be posted on the blog site. Check them out and key me know how we Dan make them better!


No comments:

Post a Comment