Teacher Inquiry 2017

This year, our school wide inquiry focus is maths. I was so pleased when I found out we would be focussing on maths this year, as this is the curriculum area I need the most work on!

This term there are two main areas that I would like to focus on. Firstly, I'd like to identify the 'holes' in my personal maths teaching as well as the holes and patterns in my focus group's summative data. My focus group this year are students whose OTJ's for maths are 'below'.  My goal is to tackle these learning holes so that I can help my focus group shift from below to at.

After analysing the room 13 maths data from last year,  I realised that I became confident in teaching add/sub, however spent less time teaching mult/div and fractions because I didn't realise that these were areas that my students were struggling with. I also had the tendency to go deeper into add/sub because that was an area that I felt stronger in. These are some holes in my own teaching that I can see right now, which, I hope to change straight away.

This week, I will begin by gloss testing my focus group of 8 'below' students. I will look out for any patterns amongst the group  - such as concepts or strategies that they are all stuck on. I will also identify area in maths they need the most work on (add/sub, mult/div or fraction/ratio). I will then use the Gloss data to make a plan well ahead of time so that I can cover the key 'learning holes'.

SLOW DOWN, STRIP IT BACK.   FILL IN THE GAPS FIRST.
After speaking to my team leader, I came to the realisation that I may need to just strip everything back and focus on one strategy with my group for a long time. I have the tendency to introduce a new concept or strategy but spend a very limited time practicing it. It could simply be one strategy or concept that this group missed out on a long time ago that needs to be solidified before they can understand other concepts. Solidifying just one strategy could be enough to move this group up to 'at'.

Other steps I plan to take are:

• PD in teaching mult/div and fractions. I need to do research as well as ask colleagues for help with these areas
• Using materials more often for follow up activities rather than only being on devices - or just to get creative! I realise that this will really help with engagement for mult/div and fractions.

I look forward to sharing my inquiry journey this year. I will keep you posted!