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Learn effective strategies for engaging students in a multi-level math class, including promoting a learning mindset, using flexible grouping, selecting appropriate tasks, and fostering meaningful discussions. Presented at the Iowa AEL Conference in July 2017.
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Engaging the Multi-Level Math Class Iowa AEL Conference, July 2017
What do we do with a multi-level class? • Encourage a learning mindset. • Use flexible grouping. • Choose the right tasks. • Discuss ideas, concepts, and strategies.
Encouraging a Learning Mindset How our Brains Grow • Our brains grow as we struggle. • The struggle is valuable. • This is a safe place to try new things and to make mistakes.
Encouraging a Learning Mindset Increase Interest • Math is supposed to be helpful in real life: telling time, counting money, finding bargains, etc. • How can we create math problems that relate to real life?
Encouraging a Learning Mindset Variety • There are lots of ways to look at math and solve problems. • Dissimilar problems
Using Groups to Increase Learning Keys to Successful Grouping: • Assign roles • Explicitly discuss expected group behavior
Using Groups to Increase Learning Types of Groups: • Heterogenous • Homogenous • Student Choice
Choosing the Best Tasks Problem Solving Rather Than Drill • It’s great when they are drilling without knowing it! With a partner, complete the Four 4’s Handout.
Choosing the Best Tasks High Ceiling, Low Threshold Tasks • All students are able to accomplish • Three Acts http://www.101qs.com/2360-gas-light
Choosing the Best Tasks Write your own word problem on this concept. Make it hard for your classmates!
Choosing the Best Tasks Creative problems • Design your own • Business • Patio • Home • Playground • City
Choosing the Best Tasks You own a donut shop. You sell small donuts for $.50 and large donuts for $.75, at a 3:1 ratio. You sell an average of $200 in donuts each day. You work 4 days a week and have $10,000 in monthly bills. Is this a viable business? If not, make it into one using your creativity and ingenuity.
Choosing the Best Tasks Resources: • 101qs.com • Youcubed.com • Desmos.com • Mathprojects.com • Illuminations.nctm.org
Discussing Math • How will you approach this problem? • How did you get that answer? • Why? • Convince your neighbor that you are correct. • Explain the steps you took. • What questions do you have?
What do we do with a multi-level class? • Encourage a learning mindset. • Use flexible grouping. • Choose the right tasks. • Discuss ideas, concepts, and strategies.