Hypothesis/Hunches

One of our PD sessions was a really helpful talanoa within our smaller groups. We got to share 3 hunches we had with the group. Our group was then able to contribute ideas or add onto what they thought our hunches would lead to.

We used a template/talking frame like this - 

How to formulate? The simplest way is to use this form: if...then…

“If I encourage my students to write for real reasons, then they will be motivated to write.”

“If I focus on extending their 'on-task' behaviour with strategies to manage themselves then they will improve their writing.”

“An emphasis on behavioural and cognitive engagement as well as teaching social skills will enhance my students’ ability to focus and increase their writing skills.”

Using this talking/thinking frame, were my 3 hunches:

1. If I use materials then students will be able to image sets of numbers. 

2. If I use more warm-ups/games at the start of lessons it will hook students into the learning.

3. If I mix up between book work, slides, and hands on activities, then students can grasp concepts better.

One suggestion from my group was: If I alternate doable create tasks then students would be able to demonstrate their learnt skill.

I am very thankful to my group for prompting new thoughts and ideas to trial in class and also encouraging us in our inquiry process.

Student Profiling

As a continuation of my inquiry breakdown - This blog post will be covering who my target students are. 

I have 8 students whom I have chosen as my target group for this particular inquiry. They are made up of 2 Year 8s and 6 Year 7s. 5 females and 3 males. 

The following slides outline parts of my Student Profile I have covered thus far. The first slide are my baseline data or preliminary findings which I will explain in more detail later on in my inquiry. The next slides are made up of a student survey which I conducted on the whole class through a Google form. My last slide are my own observations on what behaviours I've noticed during small group and class time around the subject of maths.

New Role: Across Schools COL Teacher 2024

 Talofa lava everyone!

Last year I decided to apply for one of the across schools COL roles and was fortunate enough to be successful. So this year I am excited to inquire into my own teaching practice and cater towards the needs of my new students this year. But I am also quite keen to get around to other schools and see how I may be of use or pick up new learning that can be used in my Y7/8 class and team of teachers at Pt England.

Last year in my application, I was really passionate about pursuing Maths for Years 7-8 learners and bridging the ever widening gap as they move up in the school. However,  we've had a cluster wide look at our data through Ed Potential and I feel there could be some changes in terms of my focus area for the year. Watch this space as I have more korero with fellow COL teachers and school leaders to see where my main focus will be for the year.

Otherwise, I am excited to start this new role and meet more teachers across our cluster. If there is anything Year 7-8 related, TESSOL related, or you are needing a sound board for ideas around our Manaiakalani teaching pedagogy of Learn, Create, Share, please book any of us across teachers in and we can pop in to visit you.

I look forward to meeting you all and the challenges this year.

Tofa ma ia manuia.