Reflection:
What did I learn because of action research?
I have learned so much from action research this year. I was able to research best practice strategies for my fourth grade students and determine what would work best for my class. This also helped me to recognize people that I could reach out to in my building to help me find different activities to differentiate activities for all of my learners. I collaborated with the HALE teacher, different grade level teachers in my building as well as branching out to teachers in the same grade level but different building. Because of action research I also better understand how to use data to drive my instruction.
how did that impact my teaching?
After researching, I re-vamped my teaching in the classroom and the way math instruction was done. I implemented Math Workshop into my classroom. This model allowed me to meet the needs of all of my learners by having the opportunity to work with math groups each day. It also allowed my students additional practice with their peers and individually when they were engaged in math games and technology. This action research project has increased my students' growth, and helped my students to be more engaged. Because of this, it has allowed for me to become more confident in my teaching, knowing that what I was doing was helping my students increase their math knowledge and helping them to enjoy math more.
how did research impact my growth as a professional?
This action research project has made me grow so much in such a short period of time. I grew as a professional in the area of differentiation. I felt like I had learned how to work with my at level and below leveled students but I did not have enough tools in my toolbox to reach my high leveled thinking kids. My findings gave me best practices to use that would meet the needs of all of my learners.
What would i change if I were to do this over/what is my plan for next year?
Although I have loved math workshop and I plan to keep it as my math instructional method next year, if I were to do it all over again, I would have more games and more differentiated games. The students always had the opportunity to play the differentiated game from the Pearson Math series. But some days students did not want to play that game and so they would only have the option of practicing math facts with a partner. When I do Math Workshop next year I plan to make at least 2 games for a couple weeks at a time that are challenging enough for my above level students and practice games for my below level students. This way students will have the choice to play my pre-made game, the differentiated games from the Pearson Math series or practice math facts when at the game station during Math Workshop. I also think next year I will only meet with two groups a day to make the Math Workshop time a shorter amount of time. I felt like at times my students would get antsy because the Math block of time was so long. So next year I plan to still do my whole group to begin each day but then only meet with two groups a day.
What impact will research have on future teaching?
Teaching is a profession that best practices are constantly changing. This action research project has made me realize the pace of change and importance it has on our world of teaching. Our students' needs are constantly changing and we must move at that pace with them. In future years of teaching I hope to challenge myself to push beyond my comfort level and to always do what is best for my learners.
How Did my strategies mesh with best teaching practices?
Research shows that the Math Workshop Model is a best teaching practice due to allowing the teacher to meet in small groups every day, to best meet the needs of all learners. One strategy I implemented was IXL. This strategy gave students a chance to use technology and apply what they know in a format that was specifically designed for their level. Another strategy I implemented was differentiated games. This gave students the opportunity to collaborate with their peers and engage in math talk, applying the skills taught that day. Lastly, students had the opportunity to formally display their knowledge of a concept on a worksheet. These worksheets were differentiated to each students' level and helped both me and the students to assess their knowledge.
how did my strategies relate to 21st century skills?
Math Workshop relates to 21st century skills in many ways. One being that students every day are collaborating with one another and working together to play their math games. They are also collaborating when they are working in small groups to find answers. Another way Math Workshop relates to 21st century skills is that my high group of learners were challenged in my small groups to critically think and apply their knowledge. Math stations allows all groups to receive instruction that is in their Zone of Proximal Development. Lastly students were interacting with technology each day in Math Workshop.
how did my strategies relate to the five core propositions?
I believe my project strongly relates to Propositions 1-4. Proposition 1 states 'teachers are committed to students and their learning.' I believe that my action research correlates to this Proposition because through Math Workshop I was committed to meeting the needs of all of my learners. I met that goal by differentiating my groups and giving all students the time to have extra practice. Proposition 2 states 'teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects.' I continued to grow in this area as I learned more about the curriculum and content taught in fourth grade. I also used the research of my action plan to improve my instruction to best meet the needs of all of my learners. Through IXL progress, informal observations, and formative assessments I continuously monitored students and their learning (Proposition 3). Lastly due to my action research and growth as a teacher I believe I had the most gain in the area of Proposition 4 which states 'teachers think systematically about their practices.' As I planned meaningful lessons for my students this I kept this Proposition in the forefront of my mind to make sure that my students were getting best practice instruction.