Classroom+Observation+Project

When are the children most engaged in learning math? When are children least engaged in learning math?
 * Classroom observation** – observe two grades of math classes (preferably two different teachers) for at least one week per grade and document strengths of the teaching environment, pedagogy, curriculum use, homework, use of manipulatives. Also, discuss what you might do differently. Discuss content – what is being covered as well as how it is taught. Consider the following questions and provide specific examples:

Interview each teacher about classroom management, learning environment, his/her teaching philosophy and methods of teaching math. You can ask the teacher about his/her own feelings about math and about teaching math. You may want to find out why the teacher teaches the way he/she does and what journey he/she has been on to arrive at their teaching style.


 * //Disclaimer://** //Please do not be critical of the teacher who has graciously allowed you to observe his/her class. This is a valuable learning experience for you as you observe a teacher at work. Please highlight the positive things the teacher is doing, and you can comment about things you might do differently, but you are not to be negative in any way. Additionally, if you are observing two teachers, do not compare or contrast them in any way.//


 * NOTE:** There may be room for variation on this choice – some of you have mentioned that you can only observe one class and asked if it might be alright if you observed one class for two weeks, for instance. If you want to do the classroom observation as one of your choice projects, please discuss the details with me personally and we will work out something mutually suitable together.
 * NOTE:** teacher/principal information Letter below.