|
Spark Innovation Home Learn More Standards Inspiration About the Author |
Mrs. Rose Girguis: Middle School Math
About the Author: Rose Girguis : Middle School Math
Having spent two decades in middle and high school classrooms teaching 7th-grade math and Algebra 2, Rose Girguis is excited to see her students every day, and enjoys watching them make progress. She currently teaches at a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) technology middle school, and loves using technology to increase student learning.
Mrs. Girguis' students are representative of diverse school demographics. The ethnic breakdown is currently 30% Asian, 37% Hispanic, 10% Black, 15% White, and 8% Other. Students who are eligible for free or reduced lunches make up 33% of the school population.
Rose gives her students a voice and choice in their projects and encourages them to express their own creativity and interests, thereby allowing them to develop their own motivations. She provides personalized learning experiences via differentiated instruction and innovative teaching strategies, which are made possible with the growing educational technology that is available.
Rose is using the flip-class model (once called the inverted model) and takes advantage of the class time freed up by this model for Inquiry/Discovery work, and projects which provide her students with opportunities for deeper learning and problem-solving.
Mrs. Girguis' students are representative of diverse school demographics. The ethnic breakdown is currently 30% Asian, 37% Hispanic, 10% Black, 15% White, and 8% Other. Students who are eligible for free or reduced lunches make up 33% of the school population.
Rose gives her students a voice and choice in their projects and encourages them to express their own creativity and interests, thereby allowing them to develop their own motivations. She provides personalized learning experiences via differentiated instruction and innovative teaching strategies, which are made possible with the growing educational technology that is available.
Rose is using the flip-class model (once called the inverted model) and takes advantage of the class time freed up by this model for Inquiry/Discovery work, and projects which provide her students with opportunities for deeper learning and problem-solving.
My Teaching Philosophy
My philosophy of teaching has evolved from two decades of teaching experience. As I reflect on my beliefs regarding teaching and learning I find what works for me is connecting with my students:
- to promote a positive learning community and culture in my classroom (social justice/diversity,empathy)
- to spark learner enthusiasm and creativity for learning and innovation (growth mindset/personalized learning)
- and to provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and positive self-expressions (social/cognitive).
- share my passion for mathematics in the world as a universal language and the language of our universe.(Inquiry and PBL)
Reflections on My Journey
Learning about TPACK and the SAMR models led to my driving question and research. The program emphasis is in closing the achievement gap, using technology, and innovative teaching strategies. I entered the program just to find out the best practices of using technology, but gained so much more. Soon after entering the program I heard of the flipped classroom model. I am in a district that has adopted the Inquiry/problem/project model. I couldn't grasp how I was supposed to teach the mathematics standards, technology standards, and do Inquiry based learning all at the same time.
My driving question for my action research was: Can using technology to flip a middle school mathematics classroom combined with Inductive teaching strategies increase student engagement and performance? I tried different technologies in my classroom. Sometimes failing, but it always made for humorous stories and lessons learned to share with colleagues. I found research on the flip model, IQL/ PBL, blended learning (which is the direction I was headed), and educational technology, Each had much support.
With my twenty years in education, I learned there is no one way that is best. I believe in variety. I decided to combine the flip model with the inquiry/PBL model. It is a fairly new concept, and it will require more research. Based on my findings and research. This is a real look into the future and way to transform learning to higher levels of achievement for all students in mathematics (for any subject, but my focus is in mathematics instruction and improving student performance and achievement in mathematics).
My driving question for my action research was: Can using technology to flip a middle school mathematics classroom combined with Inductive teaching strategies increase student engagement and performance? I tried different technologies in my classroom. Sometimes failing, but it always made for humorous stories and lessons learned to share with colleagues. I found research on the flip model, IQL/ PBL, blended learning (which is the direction I was headed), and educational technology, Each had much support.
With my twenty years in education, I learned there is no one way that is best. I believe in variety. I decided to combine the flip model with the inquiry/PBL model. It is a fairly new concept, and it will require more research. Based on my findings and research. This is a real look into the future and way to transform learning to higher levels of achievement for all students in mathematics (for any subject, but my focus is in mathematics instruction and improving student performance and achievement in mathematics).
Lasting Learning from the Innovative Learning program
As my teaching has transformed, my goals have changed. As PD lead, I brought much of what I learned with me, and shared it when time allowed. I want to continue to help teachers incorporate technology into their classrooms, and transform the learning experiences of their students. I want to ignite veteran teachers’ passions to the level of their earliest years, and I view myself as a bridge to assist them in that process. I know how overwhelming the transition can be without support, so I want to help all teachers, administrators, and district leaders to be connected educators who are able to keep up with the technologies that enhance student learning.
As a veteran teacher, I also see a need to synthesize the data in technology, brain research, and how learning takes place. The new research is hard to dismiss, and educators will not understand why these changes need to take place if they do not also have an understanding of the latest findings. Math, in particular ,is in need of these changes. Some of the most powerful reasons are presented in Mathematical Mindsets by Jo Boaler, a professor at Stanford who applied the research of Carol Dweck on growth mindset to mathematics learning. Like Boaler, I have a passion for improving mathematics education, and I am eager to share this information with other mathematics educators.
I think most importantly I have learned to be a connected educator and I enjoy collaborating and learning from others. My personal educational goals would be to pursue my Doctorate in Education as I would like to spark innovation in the next generation of teachers to be inspired educators.
As a veteran teacher, I also see a need to synthesize the data in technology, brain research, and how learning takes place. The new research is hard to dismiss, and educators will not understand why these changes need to take place if they do not also have an understanding of the latest findings. Math, in particular ,is in need of these changes. Some of the most powerful reasons are presented in Mathematical Mindsets by Jo Boaler, a professor at Stanford who applied the research of Carol Dweck on growth mindset to mathematics learning. Like Boaler, I have a passion for improving mathematics education, and I am eager to share this information with other mathematics educators.
I think most importantly I have learned to be a connected educator and I enjoy collaborating and learning from others. My personal educational goals would be to pursue my Doctorate in Education as I would like to spark innovation in the next generation of teachers to be inspired educators.
Click the Weebly image to read my blog or, you can visit my entire site for even more information on educational technology, mathematics teaching, and resources by clicking on my logo.
|
|