My Blog
Formative Assessment Data is Everywhere; We just have to look for it.
Formative assessment data, often misunderstood, is essential for understanding student progress and guiding teaching. Teachers should listen to students' thinking and use various methods, like visual models and collaborative tasks, to identify areas of misunderstanding and guide instruction accordingly. By using this data effectively, teachers can make informed decisions about when to revisit content and ensure students fully master the material.
Small Group Instruction in the Math Classroom: It isn’t just for reading instruction
Want to shift your math classroom from passive to active learning? This blog shares proven strategies like Teacher Tables and station rotations that encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving among students. Discover how these engaging methods can help students deepen their understanding and make math more interactive and enjoyable!
Enhancing Student Engagement: Best of 2024!
This blog highlights three instructional strategies to try in the classroom in 2025. These strategies are proven to enhance student participation and learning.
The Answer to Supporting Students Who Struggle in Math
This blog offers practical strategies for supporting struggling learners without requiring extra time or individualized plans. I provides clear, research-backed methods for differentiation, focused on developing conceptual understanding, and emphasizing equity and accessibility—all crucial elements for creating a positive, inclusive math classroom.
We Must Finally Put an End to Math Timed Tests!
This blog will give you insights into modern, research-backed approaches to teaching math that foster a positive learning environment and reduce anxiety. I highlight the importance of flexibility and understanding over rote memorization, offering practical strategies for enhancing students' math fluency.
“I do, we do, you do” Gradual Release Model is OUT!
The Gradual Release of Responsibility instructional model introduces a fourth component, 'You do it together,' to enhance collaborative learning and problem-solving among students. This revised model offers a more flexible, non-linear approach to teaching, promoting greater student engagement and deeper understanding.
The Right Way to Use Tech Tools: 4 Rules to Plan By
In this blog I offer valuable insights into optimizing math instruction by balancing technology with interactive, hands-on learning. I provide practical guidelines for using tech tools effectively, ensuring they complement rather than overshadow essential teacher-student interactions.
Building Thinking Classrooms Annual Conference: 5 Key Takeaways
In this blog, I share 5 key takeaways from the annual Building Thinking Classrooms Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.
Math Apathy: Why do some kids hate math?
Math apathy in classrooms arises from closed tasks, poor performance, and comparisons among students. To combat this, educators can introduce open-ended tasks, encourage critical thinking through questioning, foster collaboration, and provide relatable math problems. These strategies aim to reignite students' interest and engagement in mathematics.
Questioning Strategies: Micro-moves that make a huge splash!
The negative perception of math often stems from the belief that there's only one right answer and approach to every problem. To counteract this, educators can employ questioning strategies which embrace tentative language, plural perspectives, and positive presuppositions. By inviting diverse responses, valuing multiple strategies, and fostering a supportive environment, teachers can empower students to see themselves as capable mathematicians.
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