Master Teacher Mindset by Robyn Jackson

Jackson outlines strategies for teachers and students to enhance learning and maximize student potential and performance. Her philosophy incorporates key ideas from Mindset by Carol Dweck and The Art and Science of Teaching by Robert Marzano.

Here are her seven principles:

Start where your students are
Know where your students are going
Expect to get your students to their goal
Support your students along the way
Use feedback to help you and your students get better
Focus on quality rather than quantity
Never work harder than your students

Cheat, I mean, Reference Sheets

The slope formula…the distance formula…the midpoint formula – ARGH!
With all those x sub 1s and y sub 2s, these formulas or maybe they’re equations..HMMM…anyway, get all jumbled and misapplied.
As an adjunct Math prof, former engineer and ‘Robin the Math Lady’, I help people to build Math Confidence through metacognitive strategies.

How much does a cheat sheet help? If Math = formulas, then it would indeed be cheating. But problem-solving is so much more. In engineering school, our open book untimed exams with only 3 problems would take 6 or more hours and a ‘C’ would be welcomed with open arms! Some profs allowed just one piece of paper. It took days to craft a crowded cheat sheet chock full of problems (ok, opportunities) with a 0.5mm mechanical pencil. This process helped us know our strengths and weaknesses for maximizing potential on our exams (ok, assessments).

Now as a prof, I encourage homework and classwork on cheat sheets for reference points
so that learners can size up the challenges and tackle them under peak performance conditions (tests). Cheat sheets boost confidence, performance and enjoyment of Math and learning!

Brain Fitness for Success at College Board Forum

Title: Brain Fitness for Success
Description: While students would like relevant content, they often view the classic high school math curriculum (algebra, geometry, trig) as the least applicable topics of their courses. However, quantitative reasoning can improve metacognition (thinking about thinking) and is an excellent way to boost knowledge and skills. Participants will discuss the concept of “brain fitness,” with special attention to how math can enhance critical thinking, problem solving and confidence. Participants will develop strategies and identify opportunities to implement the “brain fitness” perspective to foster student commitment and to improve their college access and success.

Presenter: Robin Schwartz, Adjunct Professor, College of Mount St Vincent; Founder, Math Confidence, New York
Thursday 10/22/09, New York City

College Board's Forum 2009: Education and the American Future
New York City October 21-23, 2009

Confidence and Knowledge

Came across this link through an ACT article in the Wall Street Journal.
Confidence and knowledge and learning go hand in hand ;)

The Original Article
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125065253283242295.html#articleTabs%3Darticle


The Poster's Comments (includes the Knoweldge Factor link)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125065253283242295.html#articleTabs=comments#comment394900

34 = 65

This article by Diane Ravitch highlights the curve of Regents exams. On the Regents administered yesterday 30/87 (34%) results in a passing score of 65. With higher standards and clearer meaning of scores in grades 3- 8, expectations and learning will improve.

Here's the link to the article: http://www.nypost.com/seven/08132009/postopinion/opedcolumnists/toughen_the_tests_184289.htm

Taking the SAT 10/10/09...long time since 19XX

Sue Shellenbarger's article was inspirational -- only 8 more weeks until the SAT.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124337711110856009.html#articleTabs=comments#comment199886

http://digg.com/educational/WSJ_com_High_School_Senior_I_Took_the_SAT_Again_After_41

http://mathconfidence.blogspot.com/2009/05/would-you-ever-retake-sat.html

Take Away the Stress, Multiply the Fun, Divide and Conquer

The print ad says "Add KENKEN, Take Away the Stress, Multiply the Fun, Divide and Conquer

Brain Fitness for $9.95 ;)
http://www.kenken.com/

Teach Back example

This student-made poster was based on Teach Back questions on Unit Conversion and was a key part of the Teach Back process.

The Benefits of the Teach Back method

The Benefits of the Teach Back method

The Upside of Test Prep: The Teach Back

The Teach Back method uses sample assessment questions for learning and teaching in the classroom.