Precalculus
2012-2013
These
are answers to questions I’ve recently been asked regarding my precalculus
class this year.
Q:
Why change the structure of the
classroom?
A: In an English class, students read a book at home
and then come the class for an energetic discussion on the subject. In
precalculus this year I would like to do something similar. Instead of sending students home to struggle
with their math homework, I would rather
help them with their work during class after they have watched and taken notes
from the online lessons I’ve created. I believe
a more differentiated classroom that can attend to the needs of individuals
will better help my students develop the 21st century learning
skills that they will need in college.
Q:
So how will class change?
A: For some
precalculus topics, I’ve been using a variety of software packages to record
and edit lectures at home. Students will
be able to watch those lessons for homework while taking notes on a handout I
provide in class. Then, in class we are able to do homework problems together.
I can walk around the class and help each student one-on-one making better use
of the time I am with them, now that I'm not lecturing first. I would like to
use the current technology that all students are surrounded with to enhance my precalculus
lessons. As I've already told my class, I would like to engage my students
using the same technology that they are already engaged in.
Q:
When do they need to watch the lessons?
I've met students who are smiling and singing in the
morning and then wind down by the end of the day. I've met other students who
are just the opposite. I've always felt bad for students who have some of their
most difficult classes scheduled at the worst time of day for them. My precalculus
students can watch their lessons in the library before they go home or at 11
o'clock at night on the couch with a laptop. In other words it will be up to
them to decide the best time to get their homework done.
Q:
Would you consider making some changes? I'm concerned about my child not receiving
notes in class and I think they already spend too much time on YouTube.
A: I have
already made two changes last week that I think are for the better and that
address these two specific issues. First, I've decided to relocate the
presentations I've made to my website rather than providing a link to
YouTube. This way, my math students
will be less distracted by ads and videos of cats walking on piano of
keys. Second, I'm going to provide the
class with a written outline of each presentation that they can use to record
notes while they are watching my instruction on video. Each student can edit
these as they see fit and they can be organized in a two pocket folder that I'm
happy to provide.
Q:
Will my son/daughter be watching online lessons every night?
A: Definitely not. Some classes will be traditional
lectures, while others will be lab experiments and group work.
Q: How long will your lessons be available to
view online?
A: All of my videos should remain posted for the
length of this course. I hope my students will view them often and review any
material they choose at any time throughout the school year.
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