Professional Learning Goals

As teachers, we were able to research and think deeply about one topic (fractions) across several grades (grades 7 through 9). As such, we were each forced to think about the topic outside of the grades we usually teach.

We also got to collaborate with teachers from another division and school. As such, we got valuable insight into “another world.”

We got to develop and modify tasks that could be used across multiple grades.

Activities and Resources

We spent our time researching, discussing and developing materials for parents, teachers and students. We used materials from the ministry, websites and several books (purchased by our schools).

Unexpected Challenges

When it came time to discuss and modify some of the problem-solving material, we didn’t make as much headway as we hoped. This is probably due to us underestimating the time it would take to develop the diagnostic material, and prepare the presentation for parents.

We also were disappointed with the time frame behind the project. When we applied in September, we were hoping to start in October, but it was late December before we got all the details.

Enhancing Student Learning and Development

As we started working, we saw that the size of our goal was larger than we thought, and it kept growing as we discussed things and gathered materials. Using the adapted gap-closing materials, we could help identify any areas that students are struggling with, and use the gap-closing materials to address the problems.

Thinking about parents, and looking at ways to help parents learn how their children are learning, will pay dividends down the road.

Developing rich problems will help students strengthen their understanding of the concepts.

One of us has just started the fractions unit and plans to use the material with her students.

Sharing

We have already shared some with parents at Heritage PS. We had an information night and presented some of the ideas and give parents time to work with manipulatives. In the future, we plan to have other “family math” nights, to help get parents more comfortable with the teaching/learning methods their students are exposed to.

We hope to do a presentation at a PD day next year at the OCDSB.

Project Evaluation

I think the project was a successful start to a long-term collaboration between two schools. We came to an understanding of the importance of having good material for students to work at school, at home and with their parents. We see our next steps as continuing to develop materials for teachers, students and parents.