Welcome to…Inquiry Based Learning:

How to Maximize Students’ test scores (*specifically, Math I)

This presentation can be found on my wiki at:

http://kanter.cmswiki.wikispaces.net

A little bit about me:*Circa 1982

Brother and sister, Ilene and Lance Kanter, with their dog – Heidi.

Born & Raised in Old Bridge, NJ

What to do…?

Medical InsuranceClaims Adjuster?

Lawyer?

Community House Middle School 2007 - Present

Accomplishments:•Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership.

•Math I PLC lead.(Highest Growth Score for Department in CMS district)

•Appointed to Math I CMS team to implement a guide for new Math I teachers to aide in preparing for the EOC.

•MeckEd Teacher of Excellence 2014.

•Governor’s Teacher’s Network 2014-15.

•Multiple students achieving perfect scores on the Math 8 EOG and Math I EOC.

•Math I NC Statewide Math Competition advisor.

Governor’s Teacher Network2014-2015

Action Research Plan

Two Part Presentation

Inquiry Based Learning Test-taking Strategies

Inquiry Based LearningProfessional Article Summary

Reference

Ball, D. (1993). With an eye on the mathematical horizon: Dilemmas of teaching Elementary school mathematics. The Elementary School Journal, 93, 373–397.

What this study was about:

This study talked about the recent talk of wanting to change the pedagogy of teaching math in order to be more effective. Although the article was from 1993, it may have been written today. Perhaps as a precursor to the Common Core, this article discusses the importance of linking the learning of math with critical thinking skills and other benefits. It talked about what it meant to think mathematically.

Why this is relevant to my study:

My study is on using Inquiry Based Learning in Math I to not only help students get a deeper understanding of the content, but also learn how to think critically, learn from mistakes, be independent, have confidence in problem solving abilities…etc. Students should be able to apply their experience of learning Alegbra to all other aspects of their life.

Reference

Gamoran, Adam., Anderson, Charles W., Quiroz, Pamela Anne., Secada, Walter G., Tona, Williams & Scott Ashman. (2003). Transforming Teaching in Math and Science: How Schools and Districts can Support Change. New York: Teachers College Press

What this article was about:

This article talked about the need for a change in the teaching of Math, and how districts (administration) can support this change. The most important factor they discussed would be for a district to set up effective communication between teachers & schools. They a lso discussed the importance of technology support as many of the new teaching techniques rely on online programs, apps and social media (wiki pages, khanacademy.org., mathchat).

Why this is relevant to my study:

The Governor’s Teacher Network is a prime example of what the state can do to help facilitate effective teaching practices in the classroom. Last year, my district had put together a team of their most effective Math I teachers to create an online guide to what other teachers can use in order to ensure they are teaching the new Common Core Standards. Being a part of that team, I thought the significance of that packet we put together was important to use in my teaching. Also, my school just recently won a 1-1 grant so that each student in our building (over 1,700 of them) will have access to a chrome book during each class. This will help me use Inquiry Based Learning as many of the activities online lend themselves to exploration and real world applications.

Reference

John Sydenstricker (1997) Research Design and Mixed Method Approach. Retrieved Aug. 21st, 2014 from Netohttp://www.socialresearchmethods.net/tutorial/Sydenstricker/ bolsa.html #Why%20Mixed

What this study was about:

This article was about the importance of using a mixed approach, both quantitative and qualitative methods of collecting data, in order to ensure an unbiased and complete look at a research topic. It stated that there are some studies that warrant more of a number based approach and others that lend themselves to a questionnaire with written words to describe feelings or attitudes, but overall it is still best to use both.

Why this is relevant to my study:

As a math teacher, it is my preference and bias to want to quantify everything with numbers. I’ve even shared with a select few that I associate colors, letters and people with numbers. It is an instinct and one that I need to remind myself that others don’t necessarily share. The challenge for me is to use a more qualitative approach in order to balance out my research. In my particular study, I do want to know the confidence my students have in themselves. I want to record their feelings about math and learning in general. That may be best with tracking their open ended responses to an online questionnaire as opposed to filling out a 1-10 chart.

Reference

McClain, K. & Cobb, P. (2001). Supporting Students’ Ability to Reason about Data. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 45, 103–129.

What this study was about:

This article discussed the importance of getting students to communicate effectively about their understanding of data. It was explained that data is all around us and in many different forms. In today’s world, students need to not only analyze and break down data, but also communicate their reasoning in many different forms.

Why this is relevant to my study:

A Math I class is a constant discussion of data. In order for Inquiry Based Learning to be truly effective, students need to work collaboratively and discuss problems they’re having. They need to keep track of past failures, and figure out patterns of what worked vs. what didn’t work. As their teacher, it is my job to facilitate that understanding and ability to reason about data.

Reference

Integrating Technology and Curriculum. (2001, February). THE Journal, Retrieved August 23rd, 2014 from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_028611528890_ITM

What this study was about:

This study discussed the influence technology is having on students today. It talked about how more learning is happening both at home and in class because of access to online information. One of the points spoke to the 21st century skills students are supposed to gain from our classrooms. These skills will help them learn and communicate with others in their job. According to the article, it is important for teachers to keep up with the latest changes and additions to classrooms as students are more computer literate at younger ages.

Why this is relevant to my study:

Again, with the 1-1 technology being implemented at my school, I will be expected to incorporate online learning within my Inquiry Based Classroom. This is something I welcome, but am concerned about as it is fairly new to me. I’ve already started using google forms as not only exit tickets or concept checks, but also as research questions specific to my study. I will begin to use google classroom soon, as well. My issue is making sure we stay true to the discovery of concepts as opposed to going online and getting spoon-fed by a presenter in a video. The latter is the opposite of what I am hoping to accomplish with this study.

Take-Away from Articles:Each article provided me with an insight that I may not have otherwise thought about myself. I do frequently read articles, journals and online entries about the field as well as take an annual trip to the R.L. Moore conference (usually held in Austin, TX). At the conference, I discuss with other mathematics professors from around the country the factors that impact Inquiry Based Learning. Reading these articles shed even more light on different aspects of what I’m trying to accomplish.

I don’t know that I could pick one that was the most significant, but I do know that the article, “Research Design and Mixed Method Approach” definitely made me see the importance of using both quantitative and qualitative methods. I have to keep in mind the audience who may read and want to use my research, and know that they are going to have questions that could perhaps only be answered by my qualitative collection.

What I’ve learned about technology and communication in these articles seem to go hand in hand, and is an important factor to consider while moving forward. The people in charge of creating GTN seem to share the author’s feeling of wanting to share best practices not only with other teachers within our building, but across the district and even the state. I agree with this and think it’s a great idea. I have to make sure my study is done so that others can duplicate my results and communicate them effectively.