Action+Plan+Melody

// An Action Plan is a plan for making a teaching change that will enhance your students understanding of mathematics. // Name: Melody Pecha School: Omak High School Teaching assignment: Geometry (I think), Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus Describe your student population (approximate number, ethnicity, language, etc): Our classes run about 25 students. Geometry's should be 25. Trigs are 24 and 25, Calculus is two periods everyday and has 24 students What teaching change (instruction, assessment, materials) you like to improve? I need to learn to better utilize groups in my classroom. I want to learn when an activity is "group worthy" and when it is not, preferably without learning the hard way --- by having a lesson flop. I have a personal need to find ways to challenge the upper level students in each class. If I learn to let students work in groups and talk to each other I will be able to monitor their language while they use it with students so they will build fluency. I will also find out quickly, by listening if they do know the language of math. I am certain that technology can be used in group settings. I just surplussed the old desktops in my classroom because they were no longer working - so I am without classroom computers that students can use. We do have a lab that can be accessed.
 * Melody Pecha's Action Plan **
 * Describe your teaching situation **
 * Describe your teaching change **

Identify at least two teaching goals (measurable accomplishment that if met would enable your students to learn mathematics more effectively). I will assign at least one GOOD group project to each Geometry class - ideally it will challenge every student to push their application of Geometry. I will answer student questions with questions 80% of the time so that they will learn to use their resources and know how to learn math from any teacher or in any setting. I will learn a better way to teach logarithms. I will search the online sites to find projects to be used with my students that will challenge and engage them. I will have observers tally the way I respond to students - with a question or an answer so that I can chart my change over to more questioning of students and less giving of information. //I will// use internet resouces and have Richard Congelossi - WSU Phd. candidate come in and teach logarithms to the Trig classes in early May. I will post several examples of the Geometry projects on my wiki page. I will keep a graph of my questioning percentages in a fathom file. If I am brave enough I will post it also. :) Richard C. will have done the lesson. I will do a self reflection, then teach the lesson myself the beginning of 2010-2011 school year (while it is still fresh).
 * Set Teaching Goals **
 * Describe Teaching Actions **
 * Assess Teaching Goals**

I will start training my TA's to tally the first week. Data will be posted on a chart behind my desk beginning the second week. Reflection ** Write a reflection on the results of your action plan. What was difficult? What worked well? How did your students react to the changes you made? What was the impact on student learning?
 * Timeline **