Michael Pershan, a maths teacher and author from New York City, shares five impactful teaching strategies to enhance classroom engagement. He suggests starting lessons with accessible questions to foster participation. Transformative feedback is emphasized, advocating for active learning over traditional comments. Michael discusses how partner work can encourage quieter students to share their thoughts and stresses the importance of ending conversations with student insights. His practical tips aim to create an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.
Beginning explanations with engaging questions fosters student participation and primes them for deeper understanding of concepts.
Integrating feedback through hands-on learning activities promotes reflection and transforms errors into valuable learning moments.
Encouraging 'what if' questions stimulates critical thinking and helps students navigate problem variations for better conceptual grasp.
Deep dives
Engaging Students with Questions
Beginning explanations with a series of questions can significantly enhance student engagement and understanding. By asking questions that everyone in the class can answer, teachers create an inviting atmosphere that encourages participation. For example, instead of jumping straight into definitions, a teacher might ask students to name shapes that can be folded in half, prompting a lively discussion before introducing the concept of symmetry. This method not only checks for prior knowledge but also activates students’ thinking and primes them for the lesson ahead.
Feedback Through Learning Activities
The most effective feedback involves engaging students in learning activities rather than relying solely on written comments. Written feedback often goes unnoticed or unheeded, which leads to missed learning opportunities. By integrating feedback into follow-up lessons where students engage with the material through hands-on activities, teachers ensure that errors become learning moments. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and encourages students to reflect on their mistakes actively.
The Power of 'What If' Questions
Asking 'what if' questions during explanations encourages students to think critically and explore mathematical concepts more deeply. These questions allow students to navigate variations in problems, helping them to form generalizations from specific examples. For instance, after solving for numbers that sum to ten, a teacher might ask what would change if the target number were fifteen. These prompts not only reinforce understanding but also stimulate a culture of inquiry within the classroom.
Fostering Participation Through Partner Work
Utilizing partner work can be an effective strategy to draw out quieter students and encourage them to share their thoughts. By assigning pairs to discuss problems, teachers facilitate a safe space for all students to express their ideas, especially those who may lack confidence in larger group settings. After discussions, teachers can highlight contributions from these quieter students, showcasing their thoughts and reinforcing their value in class. This practice builds their confidence and sense of belonging, ultimately enriching the classroom environment.
Ensuring Positive Contributions from Students
When calling on students to share their thoughts, it’s essential for teachers to ensure that those contributions are positive and constructive. Instead of moving on from incorrect answers, teachers should strive to guide students toward making correct statements. By providing corrective feedback and asking additional questions to clarify concepts, educators can help students arrive at the right answer and affirm their understanding. This approach not only reinforces the material but also creates a supportive learning atmosphere where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth.