As part of my ongoing professional development, I've been looking at how students learn paying particular attention to struggling students.
I've read an article on this topic which has helped me to understand some of the challenges that struggling students are facing.
In short, the article discuses the link between a lack of progression and the amount of connectedness a student has with the class and the topic. It also talks about the ramifications of having students who are in remedial programs and how they tend to stay in remedial programms. This is most likely due to the expectations on these students.
For me, I think this means that I can change the way I run my maths programmes. For example, I am considering running a gardening group with one of the low level groups (target students) to increase their sense of self worth around mathematics. They will also have the chance to work on a real project that will help them produce something for somebody else.
Many of our target students are Maori and Pacifica and by increasing their connectedness to their learning, I can help them be more successful as they move into high school.
15 November, 2015
Tatou e a tatou katoa - let us show respect for each other
At the beginning of each day we begin with the karakia. We have different students lead the karakia. I also end with the final line of the karakia which is tatou e a tatou katoa. I usually use this as a segway to talk to the students about behaviour and give positive reinforcement to the behaviour that we've seen.
We also show respect towards the students by celebrating their successes. We do this by awarding Dojo points, using house vouchers, and any certificates they might have been awarded. This is done before morning tea and before lunch during our check-in time.
I've also been very active with the Kapa Haka group. I work with Todd and Claire to ensure they have the space to teach and the students have the space to learn.
6 August, 2015
Maori Language Week - Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori
Although it began as a challenge for our 2 classes, learning and using one phrase per day in the classroom, I have extended this to include challenging myself to learn at least one new phrase per day.
So far I have learned: To ataahua hoki (you look beautiful), To koi hoki (you are clever), kia kaha (be strong), tu meke (great), mahi pai (good work), and kua patero koe (did you fart).
I do try to use phrases that fit the situation (which accounts for the last one).
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