Comments on: Great Classroom Action

By: Dan Meyer

Dan Meyer — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 23:06:23 +0000

In reply to Margaret. Hi Margaret, I liked Ryan's suggestion above for just that problem.

By: Laurie Hailer

Laurie Hailer — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 22:15:26 +0000

I love the idea of signing up as an expert. I’ve used a similar approach in the past. Requiring questions is interesting too. I’m going to think about that. I wonder if I could require a group question, about whatever appropriate question they want. That sounds like a great way to differentiate and be able to connect with students at whatever level they’re at. Great ideas.

By: Cathy Yenca

Cathy Yenca — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 22:09:25 +0000

Hi Margaret,

I think this “model” is one strategy for one classroom tool – namely, a Desmos Card Sort. Would we want to use this strategy and this tool daily? Even weekly? (Well… perhaps we would, as Desmos Activity Builder is one of the best tech tools to come along in our 21st century math classrooms these days!) If we’re using a variety of tools and strategies, I’m not sure your concern here is a reason to forego trying this strategy with this tool. Moreover, many classrooms purposely group students with varying abilities together so those who are “stronger” can help the “weaker” along. I’ve not experienced “status anxieties” but perhaps someone else might see this happening and can share here how that went, and how we might improve?

In the meantime, I have seen this, and it made me smile.
https://twitter.com/MrsBrunnerClass/status/788552774300622848

By: Margaret

Margaret — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 15:12:17 +0000

I love the “Expert” and “Up for Hire” model, but what about that kid that never gets to be the expert? Either because of being a slow processor or because just not being able to do it?

By: Dan Meyer

Dan Meyer — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 04:04:34 +0000

In reply to Ryan. Nice moves, Ryan. Thanks for chiming in. I added your comment to the post.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 03:11:13 +0000

Sometimes, I’ll create an expert by finding a “lower” student with a really solid piece of math that’s worth discussing. By highlighting that student, it gives them confidence in their ideas and breaks down the idea of being good or bad at math.

I also have kids sign up to be an expert during group work, indicating that they’re open to taking questions from other students. Sometimes, after a really good small group conference, I’ll ask a student to sign up to be an expert. Even if they’re not perfect, it gets students to really think deeply about how they know an answer is right and how they understand a topic.

By: Paul Hartzer

Paul Hartzer — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 20:43:09 +0000

There was a recent item on division along the lines of, “Ms. Smith is having a party and is inviting 30 guests. If water comes six bottles to the pack, how many packs will she need, if everyone gets one bottle?” The “correct” answer was five. Apparently Ms. Smith is depriving herself of liquid refreshment.

It’s good to see that some teachers are reminding students (as well as themselves) to count themselves!