What is Working in Class Today

Looking back at this past semester and forward to the next semester that starts on Tuesday, Schoology has started to work.  Using Schoology to trigger the assignments has helped me keep track of where students are in their progression through the Unit, as well as, help students recognize where they stand with the material.  The Unit is currently set up to open each folder and assignment in a linear progression.  It starts with the first folder and the first video assignment.  Once students post pictures of their note packet filled in, then the WSQ opens and they can fill in their summary and questions.  Once that is submitted, the assignment opens.  Students submit pictures of their classwork and then the next folder opens for the next topic.

I need to use the information I gain from the WSQ more strategically in class. At first I was responding to the questions individually, but I would like to take a group review approach in class the next day for common questions.  That way I can clarify and get more feedback on what isn't understood through the video notes.

I, also, use Interactive Notebooks to review the concept at the beginning of class.  It gives students one page of procedures and examples to put into a bound notebook that they can use as they progress through my class, then PreCalc and on to Calculus.  For students who have used the notebook, it has been useful.  I am still working to get students to understand that you cannot just remember or ask for every procedure to be explained each time you need it.  You have to refer back to something.  That is the biggest struggle I have with students and notes.  They need to use the notes and not just check it off as an exercise in writing things down and then just set them aside.

This coming term, I will be allowing students to fast forward past material that they already understand and move on based on quiz results.  If students do not pass out of the material, they will detour into video notes and practice for those topics.  I need to find a way to structure this in Schoology along with allowing students to choose the application problem that they are going to complete next in teams.

Lots to think about!