I actually used a class blog this quarter as an extra-credit assignment. Each week, I posted a new topic for discussion. Basically, I wanted to see the reaction of my students. Well, they loved it. I actually had one student post a comment today, asking if there would be any more topics for the quarter! ('Course, she posted it during school hours, so I'm a little curious about that!)
Another thought I have about using a blog in my classroom (7th-grade math) is for problem solving. A major focus of my instruction throughout the year is mathematical communication. I feel having to explain a solution from behind a computer screen might really help with that skill - which is incredibly difficult for middle school students to develop!
Since they would not be face-to-face with anyone, pencil and paper at the ready, they are forced to put their thoughts into clear and detailed words. Because it is in a blog format, they can receive feedback, questions, and critiques from their classmates.
Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? What do you think?
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I think that is a wonderful idea. It is a great way to incorporate technology into your teaching as well. Most students love to be on the computer anyways and this allows you to give comments easier and more quickly. I know that it is also a good feeling as a teacher to see students motivated and excited about an assignment.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that I could see that would really be a problem and even not a big problem would be with using the blogs for problem solving. Yes students have more freedom and more opprtunity to express themselves and the explanation of the solution, but I would be worried that your students may not comprehend or fully understand how they came up with the solution and may depend too much on classmates to help them out. I dont know just a thought, of course is this something that is done in the classroom or on thier own time.
That's kind of the point - to think through how they came up with their solutions and be able to communicate their mathematical reasoning. Solving a problem isn't necessarily the goal - knowing HOW to solve it and to express your thoughts to others is.
ReplyDeleteOf course, on the problem solving blog, I would use lower-level problems so the solutions themselves would be rather easy. I'd want them focused on their explanations, not the problem itself. Does that make sense?
At one point in my teaching career, I had to teach a 7th grade academic enrichment Math class for level 1 students. This background leads me to ask about your lower level Math students and your Math communications blog. Do you think your lower level students would take a chance on posting their work (words) to the blog? I believe they would benefit greatly from viewing their peers descriptions and they may even ask a question or two but would they feel comfortable putting their descriptions out there for all to see? Would you have to approve a post before it is published or would that slow down the process too much? It would definitely cut down on the interactive part of the blog if they had to wait for posts to be approved. A class on proper blog etiquette and respecting others feelings would go a long way in developing a lower level students confidence in posting to the blog. What are your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteTerri,
ReplyDeleteI believe they would, simply because the problems themselves wouldn't be difficult. We already work on this skill daily, in class, so they're used to having to take the risk.
I would absolutely approve the posts, just like I do on this blog. (Not because I'm worried about what they'll post, but because of SPAM that can get posted - I don't want someone posting links to porn on a school site! LOL) Since I'm CONSTANTLY online, I don't think it will slow things down too much.
Also, respect for others is rule #1 in my class. In fact, the ONLY rule in my class is this: "You will respect yourself and everyone around you at all times." The same rule applies online. (I already have a blog for them on my class website and I haven't had any issues with "bullying" through comments.)
You know, the more I talk about this, the more I like it! Do you see any other issues I haven't thought of? I really want to start this for the 3rd quarter! :)
I like the thought of problem solving through a blog. It gives the students time to read wait and write on what they see. After teaching for 2 years, I find that students' have difficulties in just imagining what the situation the problem is presenting. It would be great if you could present a problem and have students post pictures of what is going on in the blog. Have the draw pictures. Scan them and post it on the blog. At the end, students who are having problems visualizing the scenario will get enough practice with imagery. This forces students to see what the question is asking.
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful that you have established rules and expectations for blogging. It is very important for students to develop discussion manners. I am still working on my students with just speaking kindly to other students.
Here is an idea to think about. You may want to collaborate with other math, science, and social studies teachers. Think about the questions they may see later on down the road of their education. Science consists of formulas just like math. History has charts to read and require for the students to compare and contrast. There are many options where students can see that math is across the curriculum board. It makes it more relevant to the students as well if the questions are in their interest. Reading statistics on how many ipods were sold and have students predict how many will be sold in a few years down the road. What factors will affect it? I love your idea for the blog. Critical thinking is the most challenging for teachers to get across to their students. This would be a great tool to use. Would you be considering keeping a hard copy for the classroom so the students can see their progress as they become more familiar with blogging? I know that I am horrible with writing. When I go back to read previous writings, I wonder what I was thinking. This could be done in English class. This could be a cross curriculum. Wow, I am getting excited over this.
The only problem I can see is finding time when the students could read and write on the blog. Students who have internet at home would have access to the blog anytime. However, students who do not have internet at home, they would have to find time in one of their classes to blog. You may want to have a hard copy of the main problem in the blog that students will answer. This is in case the internet is down. Our schools internet was down this entire week. I do not see any other problems with your wonderful idea. Keep up the great work.