She mentions in her blog that she recognizes the importance
of students learning to solve problems and to talk to one another about those
solutions but more importantly … “to
teach them to write about their strategies and thought processes, or they will
always struggle to exhibit their mathematical understandings.” She also reflects and realizes that she must assess
her students’ strengths and needs appropriately and prepare herself to meet the
changing demands of her students by examining their progress and addressing
their needs in ways that will help them become successful.
Wow, where have you heard that… “using evidence-based literacy
practices” in all content areas?
Writing is part of literacy. Instructional coaches remind
teachers about the importance and necessity of writing across the curriculum.
They help teachers collaborate so that talking about writing becomes the norm,
not the exception. They help dispel the myth that writing only occurs in
English class.
Remember to build in ample opportunities for teachers to
work collaboratively and cooperatively around the integration of writing in
every class, every day. Help them understand the significance of writing to
learn; scaffold ways to help them integrate writing into their work through
John Collins writing, “Do Nows,” Tickets Out/In the Door, and other strategies
to increase the amount of daily writing. Help teachers work with students to
talk about their writing and what they’ve learned through the writing process.
What are some of the
ways you work with teachers to help them enhance their students’ writing
skills?
Students can work to improve their writing skills in math class through a four step process.
ReplyDelete1. What is the problem asking? What is the problem about?
2. How will I solve the problem? What strategies will I use to solve the problem?
3. Solve. Is their another way to solve this problem?
4. How do I know my answer is reasonable? Does the answer make sense?
By providing students with a scaffolding form that leads them through this process helps students improve their writing skills in math.
Hi Stacy.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment.
What a great way to incorporate writing in math class. If students can explain the "what," they have a better chance to understand the "why." And writing about it helps them think through the process.