MIT-22 Term 3 Update

August 12 

Tell us where you've got to

The site is looking really good! I think I’ve settled on a name as well … 

Algebra’s: Developing Year 7&8 Knowledge and Achievement in Basic Algebra 

I’m still recording and adding videos, pondering if I need to delete some parts of the page or not and working on the overall “feel” of the site - how easy is it for a Y7&8 student to navigate the site? 


What’s been added, what’s dropped off 

I think I’ve settled on the home page and the current structure. I believe the links to different levels of algebra, along with an equation example makes things obvious enough. I think I’m going to add pics of the students in class working on Algebro’s, to make it a personalised site to Ruapotaka School. 

The addition of sub-elements like integers, basic facts and integers practise will remain. It was confirmed through teaching this level of algebra how much more my students needed to work on these parts. We then recorded a couple of lower level instructional videos for solving addition and subtraction of negative numbers. This project could easily delve into some of these other sub-elements we’re working on, and it would still be valid to Y7&8 learning in maths. The hard part throughout this process recently has been keeping the tiller steady and aimed in the right direction: development of student achievement in beginner level algebra. 

The confidence gained here has seen a notable increase in motivation to do more maths, particularly algebra. My evidence is mostly one-to-one discussion with students - gotta love the student who says “I wanna do more maths!”. 


Aha moments? Successes or failures.

A lot of time, effort, care has been put into this project by both the students and myself. The students are showing an even greater enjoyment in maths which I’m really proud of. The level of discussion, use of mathematical language and resilience to keep trying has also been great to observe. They talk and help each other as you would expect to see in any classroom. This hasn’t always carried over into our video tutorials though. 

As much as I can reassure students that they’re just fine, there’s camera recording in the background, they don’t have the same level of confidence on screen (YET!). The idea in some videos is to go back and record a voice over but the technology and time are a factor (i.e. all recordings are on the one device - need to look into how to place on another device for voice over recording. 

I need to gather some student voice to confirm this. Also left to do is an algebra post-test to see how much differently my students have fared since their test in Term 1. 


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