A1: Heat for sure, but another challenge is the perspective of the mathletes entering the room. I struggle with the answer getting, procedure possessed, and grade obsessed mathletes. #octmchat
A1:I was always the pioneer - trying whatever to make my math class better. I challenged my principal. :) It is hard to be a pioneer in a building with your peers as well.But what’s best for students and their learning is why I did what I did. #octmchat
Oh yes - grade obsessed is an accurate descriptor! Would love to see this culture change - but as the mom of a HS senior applying to colleges, I see how it happens. #octmchat
This really can be SUCH a challenge, Barb! I’ve had other teachers tell me to “stop making them look bad”. Fortunately, that culture seems to be improving as we have more opportunities for collaboration! #octmchat
A2 Believing in students is so important. That allows them to be a part of the math class. Relationships are so important as well. These things help set the tone. #octmchat
A2: I often hear people in our district say you have to take care of Maslow before you can take care of Bloom’s. Ss need to feel safe to make mistakes and grow before they can learn deeply. (And have food, shelter & security....but that’s another chat sometime....) #octmchat
So many of our responses focus on feeling safe in our classrooms. How do YOU establish these relationships in your classroom? Thought-provoking #octmchat tonight!
A3: Establish relationships & getting to know your Ss on a personal level is essential. Giving them a voice early on and empowering them goes a long way. I loved @saravdwerf name tent idea! #octmchat
A3: I love starting with activities like Week of Inspirational Math. Showing the kids the videos about Mindset and mistakes are essential. Also stuff like #WODB and #NumberTalks#octmchat
A3: I try to call on all students - no hiding!! Encouraging the discussion, maybe by turn and talk first, then share what your conversations were. #octmchat
A3 I use photovoice interviews, which involves bringing in and talking about personal photos. I mainly work with college sts, though. But it help creat vulnerability and a shared sense of humanity in the class, building a culture of sharing and trust. #octmchat
A3: I’m late to the party but we take time to make sure our students know their classmates’ names. We practice by shaking hands and saying “good morning so and so” every morning. Love this community building! #octmchat
A3: I choose kind, and try to eliminate any judgement on thinking. I also am reaching out to each and every mathlete to form that relationship. Google classroom, Good Note cards sent home, Name Tents, mini conferences. #WhateverItTakes#MathChat #octmchat
A4: When I go into classrooms I try to ask students what they are working on or thinking about rather than answers. I also try to join congress’ or gallery walks as a listener to show Ss their voices are valued. #octmchat
