Maths

The biggest lesson I took away from last term after self reflecting and being evaluated by my Principal was my questioning in Maths. My question wait time was too short and this disadvantaged my students, I was jumping in too quickly and giving them the answers or letting them know which students were correct and which weren't- this meant that students weren't being extended or challenged. 

After reading into some literature focused on teaching Mathematics, it was clear that to improve my teaching in the area of maths I need to focus on the following:

Questioning- Allowing a longer wait time, some students may need up to 30seconds.

Discussion- Allowing students to explain and discuss with each other how they got particular answers (Even if they are incorrect allowing them to discuss and explain with other children how they got that answer will allow for meaningful learning and they may correct themselves/ other children will explain the correct answers. 

No hands- any student may be called on. Making students raise their hands when they know the answer tends to led to the same students answering all the questions. 

Create a supportive environment. An environment where students are comfortable guessing and having a go. 

Black, P., Harrison, C., Lee, C., Marshall, B., & Wiliam, D. (2004). Working inside the black box: Assessment for learning in the classroom. Phi Delta Kappan, 86 (1), 9-21.