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I have not had the chance yet to research any tech grants for my school. I'm hoping to spend some time on that this week. Hopefully if I can find us some funding, I can get us some great tools for our students to learn.
Also, I am working on finding relevant real-world problems for students to solve and explore. Since we are mostly reviewing pre-algebra concepts right now (adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing real numbers and simplifying algebraic expressions by combining like terms), I have not really been searching as diligently as perhaps I should. My focus has been on getting some learning tools for students to use, and I guess I have to take things one step at a time. While researching potential grants this week, I will start looking for good tools and problems for students to learn solving equations.
This process is making me more aggressive when it comes to getting what my students need and would like to use. Talking to my administrators has become a little easier - they are understanding that I am working with my students' best interests at heart, and I am trying to improve our school a little at a time and in my own small way. It's quite gratifying when students give you a big hug and tell you that they, "...wish there were more teachers like you at this school!" Hopefully we'll just keep, "baby steppin'" our way to success...
Jen,
ReplyDeleteAlthough you feel you are moving slowly, I think it is great that you are making some progress. Time is valuable, but I think you are on the right track. Could you have your students use technology to create a mini-lesson or demonstrate a problem or pre-algebra concept?
Keep up the good work--it sound as if you are advocating for them!
Jill
Jen,
ReplyDeleteI think having real world solutions is a great way to get the students to truly understand the content, and to be involved. I have noticed that my students personally enjoy the real world connectons. I also find myself not using the exact methods that I should. I think that I too can be more diligent in my searches either. I do believe that you can increase your diligence perhaps by making a "do it" list. I had to make a list of things that I had to do, and post it on the back of my classroom door so I could see it at all times. That may help you as well. You're doing a great job and keep up the good work!