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Creating Lessons Workshop
Good Morning,
I was wondering if there was ever discussion about creating a workshop were teachers join together to work on creating lessons. I remember reading in Slam Dunk Math blog how Alex Overwijk stated that his district had groups that would work together to create, evaluate, discuss, and implement new lessons. I am trying to do something similar in my district but not getting anywhere. So I had a thought if people on this site would be willing to team up to great such a group as Mr. Overwijk at his district.
I bring this up because after taking a few classes on this site, I want to create my own lessons (similar to your setup) but need help in creating ones (especially to get started). I feel doing it as a team would be better. I also believe if I do such a community workshop on creating lessons that I could then take the experience to my district to try to implement there.
I was envisioning a workshop (even as a member I would be a bit of money – as it does hold me more accountable) where a group of 4 – 5 teachers are grouped together. They would meet weekly on a zoom call. From there they would discuss a topic they each would like to create a lesson. Then we would check in with progress so that everyone could provide feedback and ideas. This of course would be done with some guidance from you guys – since you have the experience and could share how you got starting creating such tasks which means you could help us through the process.
Again I just wanted to share a thought as it might lead me to resource I did not know. Thanks again for your time and help.
Taylor Sturtevant
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4 Replies
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I love this idea.
As you know, we are constantly creating new units here at make math moments. I wonder if we were able to do some sort of unit creation team with interested members?
Cc’ing @jon on this one.
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Thanks for responding Kyle.
Yes I would love to join any interested members. Basically I love the ideas behind what you guys preach and teach. I have been wanting to go this route for a long time. Right now my district is following the 8th grade curriculum in DESMOS. Everyone of the teachers just want to follow the plan they created. Even though I do like it, I believe we need to offer more open exploratory lessons (similar to 3 act or open ended projects) – I even heard in one of your podcasts that one of your teachers use DESMOS as start to an activity or to reenforce a concept and not as the main form of curriculum planning. I know my math director has no problem with me doing different lessons. The problem I am having is creating them and/or planning such lessons (like the ones you offer) into my plans. I feel having a group discuss the plan and create new ones would be beneficial.
Sorry for the lengthy email. If you have any other advice or insight I would appreciate it. Hopefully I will be able to make to it tonight video chat.
Thanks again for your time.
Taylor
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Hi Taylor,
Glad to hear you’re enjoying the grade 8 curriculum from Desmos. We are big fans of Desmos, but do not currently have access to their full blown curriculum. Would love to learn more.
As for where we could begin – I wonder if we scheduled a chat and invited any / all who are interested. In particular, we could discuss challenges but also learn what areas of the curriculum there is a need and try to possibly even co-construct some of our future MMM problem based lessons.
Remind me what time zone you are in and do you have any specific days / times of the week that might work?
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Kyle,
Thanks again for the replay, my apologies for the delayed response.
Don’t get me wrong, I love DESMOS and think it is great. DESMOS is our starting point for our lessons and what we are using in order to create lessons as we are using their curriculum guide. After doing it, I can already hear students complaining and I believe this is due to DESMOS fatigue. I am trying to create alternate lessons to engage students more and change up the routine.
I would love to discuss challenges and/or share ideas. Another idea would be to share our lessons and changes that we have made in our classroom (due to your course). Then we could offer ideas/suggestions. For example, I am working in 3 act Math questions but I would love to share a recording of my lesson (no students shown for safety reasons) to then hear what I could do differently. I say this because when doing the 3 act, I can still see I am struggling with getting full involvement and/or leaving students to engage themselves to solve the problem. It is just like anything, I can see you guys talk and discuss about it but then critique is still needed to master it – that is were I am stuck. Also I have been using Braining Camp to create assignments and enjoying it but know I need to make adjustments but not sure what or how to change it.
As you stated, I would love to chat about curriculum and co-construct some future MMM problems as that would be awesome.
I am in the Eastern Time Zone (Boston Area), usually I can do Monday, Thursday, Sunday night (after 7) however I can alter my schedule if there are other times/days that fit a groups preference.
Thanks again for you time and understanding. Lastly, nice work on your hair/tortoise presentation (just got finishing watching the tape).
Taylor
