Reflective Blogs in Algebra
I gave my students their first writing/blogging assignment in Algebra last week, here was the prompt (scroll down a bit):
Looking back at your first week plus in Algebra (and, for some of you, your first week plus at AHS), how are you feeling? What's going well or you're excited about? What's challenging or are you concerned about?While not all of them have completed their post yet, it would be great if some of you could take a look and perhaps leave an encouraging comment or question for them.
Then I want you to set three goals for yourself for this semester. One goal specifically related to Algebra, one goal related to AHS in general (can be related to classwork, sports, activities, or something else at AHS), and one goal outside of AHS. Make these goals fairly specific, not just "I want to get a good grade." I'll be asking you to revisit these goals toward the end of the semester and evaluate how well you're doing on them, so make them be worthwhile and achievable.
Labels: algebra, blogging, mathematics
posted by Karl Fisch at 2:59 PM
7 comments
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Hey my name is Ashley Howard. I am an EDM 310 student at the University of South Alabama. I really enjoyed reading your post. I think that it is a great idea and a good way to learn about your student's goals. If all teachers would do this, I think that they would be able understand their students more.
@ashleymhoward
howardashleyemd310.blogspot.com
So innovative! I love the interdisciplinary cross-over. The multimedia blog assignment really seems to invoke more critical thought as well as ground algebraic principals in real-world concepts. Thank you for sharing your inspiring work!
My kids will be blogging shortly. I will be sure to assign your pages for kids to make comments. It will be good for them to practice. http://shsweb.blogspot.com
Hi, Karl. I'm currently taking a grad course related to Technology and Learning, and happened upon your blog today. It's great to see your students reflecting on their learning. I do something similar with my Discrete Math students, although we have a single class blog with each student designated as an author. If your students are interested in reading reflections of others, you can find us at http://mrskrummel.com/blog. Happy blogging!
Hello my name is Kimberly Lefferson. I am currently enrolled in EDM310 at the University of South Alabama. I enjoyed this post and I went and explored some of your students blogs and looked at their goals. I think this is such a great way to kick off the semester. If more teachers started off this way and incorporated technology I think that many more teachers and students would have a better understanding for each other. Also students would have more respect for their teachers inquiring about goals other than school and that specific subject.
@kjlefferson
leffersonkimberlyedm310.blogspot.com
This is awesome! I am so glad that you are doing this and that other teachers are doing this. I myself am in the process of doing it. I am curious how long you give them to do the post? Is it usually homework or are they able to do it in class? Have you seen an increase in the amount of assignments being turned in digitally over paper?
For myself I have noticed a higher rate of turn in as well as a higher rate of homework being done. I've been running into time issues and when the technology becomes a hindrance in the learning process. Maybe you have ideas for this?
Thanks!
Megan - Sorry for the delayed response. I'm still feeling my way, but given the time constraints I have their blog posts are homework. I usually try to give them at least two days, and sometimes as long as a week to complete them.