Kate Dean - Secondary Math

One of my favorite ways to review is having my students do a Round Robin activity. How it works: Move your desks into 6-8 groups depending on the number of stations for the Round Robin. Put one station at each table. I like to copy my stations onto colored card stock and put them in sheet protectors (question on the front and answers on the back) - this way students can't "accidentally" write on them. Put your students into groups. I like having groups of 3-4, depending on my class size. Each group starts at a different station. I set the timer for 5-8 minutes (this really depends on the length of your class and the number of stations). Students work together on the problems at their station. They can check their answers on the back (so you are not running around answers questions all the time).  If they are done before the timer goes off, they WAIT at their station. If the timer goes off before they are done, they MOVE ON. I stress to the kids that it is ok if they don...

Projects are a great way to incorporate other subjects content, areas of student interest, or even turn it into a PBL (Project Based Learning).  Projects give students a chance to APPLY  their understanding of a concept into a real world example. Projects also give you an alternative way to assess student understanding of the skills and standards taught in class. I have my students complete a project at the end of every unit, as a way to review prior to their unit test. My students have said multiple times they enjoy the projects because it helps them review all of the big skills leading up to their test. Here are 8 reasons to use projects in your math classroom: 1. They are a Great way to Incorporate Student Interest Being able to pull in student interests is a great way to get more "buy-in" when it comes to student effort and learning. When students are invested in a project because it is about a topic they enjoy, they are more willing to do their best (and will learn some ...

One of my biggest struggles as a teacher has always been how to go over homework in class without taking up too much time.  Time is always a teacher's biggest enemy, and going over homework is part of the challenge. Some students want to go over every problem, which becomes difficult, especially when the level of math increases. There are other students who don't care about going over the homework (either because they didn't do it or because they aren't interested in seeing if they got the correct answers). This can then lead to off task behavior on some. I have tried so many different techniques when it comes to going over homework over my many years of teaching, and I thought I would share a few of my favorites. This is not a complete list of ideas, but gives a starting point if you are struggling with time management and grading homework.  1. 5 Minute Time Limit ⏰ Post the answers only up on the board and give students a few minutes (2-3) to check their answers. Then...