I am in my third week of doing the mixed ability groups with my students. The first week was really interesting. I grouped them boys with boys and girls with girls. This pairing worked ok but I felt like it was not the best for the students. They did work well together and knew what was expected of them but were not as engaged as I expected them to be. They began using the card that was given to them with questions and prompts that they could ask their buddy. They knew that they had to share back the following day. It was not about getting it right but talking with their buddy and working out how they could find an answer together.
The following day we went and shared back with some of the senior students. They modelled what was expected and used maths language with them. The senior students were great role models and showed them the process of sharing back and being accountable.
The next day as a class we shared back. The students used this card to help clarify any thinking of their peers as they were sharing back.
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After week 3, the students told me that they have really been enjoying maths problem solving and want to keep doing it. They are talking together, being cooperative and supporting each other.
The next part that I want to introduce is more maths talk and questioning.
If you have any suggestions on how I can get them to do this, I would appreciate you sharing.
Sounds like your mixed ability problem solving is going really well! It's great to note that the children are enjoying it and want to keep going. It must have been very beneficial for the students to go and work with the senior students. I am sure this was a powerful motivator for many of the children in your numeracy class. I have been modelling and teaching Math Talk Moves to the children in my numeracy class too. All I can say is to keep modelling and using the language that you want to hear - also prompt cards that the children can refer to when they are problem solving can help too.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to hear your children are liking the problem solving and the new approach to teaching mixed ability groups. What a good idea to have another class role model how they share, am sure this has given them a clearer picture of where you want them to head. As part of my inquiry I am looking at Maths Talk and so have found cue cards to help as well. Have you found that the children are using the new strategies that you are introducing in the mixed ability workshops?
ReplyDeleteGreat to see that you are noticing improvement in problem solving and sharing back. Also what is more pleasing is to see the children are enjoying this way of learning and are finding success.
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