Tabletop LearningCreating a highly engaging classroom
W. Glenn Walker, M. Ed.Secondary Mathematics
HIGH SCHOOLS THAT WORKThursday, July 21, 2011Delta Island B / Cheekwood F8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. / 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Opener # 1
With three days left on your vacation, your boss’ number shows up on your phone. Do you answer? Why or why not?
Opener # 2
A company offers you the twice the value of your home, which has been in the family for over 100 years. Do you sell or not? Explain.
Opener Topics
Questions of Ethics & Character Puzzles Unique Math Problems Who-Dunits Reading Articles (Holidays,
Mathematicians) Drawings & Art (Rube Goldberg,
Escher) Relationship Issues Script Writing & Acting Scenes Reflections on Progress
Opener Philosophy
“Think like a (an) ____ th grader.” Character Education – at least 10
minutes per day dictated by Act 95-313
“Scruples” board game – great source
Gets the blocked started with engagement, sometimes quite intense!
Makes kids “think outside the box.” Requires vocal presentation to class. Keeps ‘em guessing – what’s next?
Opener Resources
From Sterling Publishing Company…
“Great Book of Whodunit Puzzles,” Falcon Travis, 1993, ISBN 0-8069-0348-1
“Brain Strains: Power Puzzles,” Coussement, et. al., 2002, ISBN 1-4027-0194-2
“Pencil Puzzlers,” Steve Ryan, 1992, ISBN 0-8069-8542-9
The Classroom LayoutO
bjec
tiv
es
Daily Agenda
Chalk Board
Promethean Board
Seating Assignments
First 2-3 days, students choose table &seat.
Then comes the SEATING CHART, adjusted for minimum disruption and maximum engagement.
Fill in names on blank seating chart as roll is called – got’cha!
Adjusted as attitudes & grades dictate.
Consider shuffle at midterm.
Questioning
Socratic Method: One response at a time, then next response; no debating; no arguments; additional questions follow…
By Table By Student (Index Cards) By Re-Direct By Research
Participation Points
Tiera W. IIII III
15+ 100 5-9 8010-14 90 0-4 70
The Inviting Classroom
Clean & Orderly Organized Paint Scheme Green Plants Kleenex / Hand Sanitizer School News Articles Music for the Mood of the Day Air Temperature Deodorizer
The Curiosity Classroom
The Gizmos Dangling Items Wall Posters Teasers Math History Costume Previous Student Work Displayed Manipulatives on Tables Scene on Screen
The High Expectations Classroom Agendas Objectives Previous Classwork / Homework
Noted Make-Up Work Binder / Folder Protocol & Procedures Restroom Pass Log Wall of Fame First Day Material (Expectations,
Consequences, Path in Math, Path to Future, Character Study, My Philosophy…)
My Story
BackgroundEducationCareerWhy I TeachWhy I am Here Today in This Room
Why are You Here?
Start with the Application
Determine the size of the lighthouse.
Student Assessments
Classwork & Homework (graded or filed in notebook for later grade)
Notebooks (5 sections, organizational & note-taking skills, college prep)
Exams (NO Multiple Choice except Midterm & Final Exam)
Projects (Group & Individual) Presentations Interviews
Table Advantages
Peer Tutoring Working with Others (like real job) Group draws on each member’s
strengths Teacher transitions to Consultant Helps lower achieving students
complete work & be useful Ownership of Solution Natural Competition among tables Increases engagement and
LEARNING!
Table Disadvantages
Noisier Must watch for students sponging off
group Easier to copy others’ work (shows up
during exam time; red flag to consult with student)
Multiple exams required during testing
Inappropriate touching Bookbags & Belongings clutter
Motivational Quips
Give Me (Three) Claps! A Round of Applause A Big Hand A Standing Ovation Two-Minute Warning Student of the Month Attend students’ events outside
classroom “Teach Me, I Want to Learn!”
Teaching as a Calling
Teaching is a Gift from God Teaching Career is a Calling Students are Children of God Students are Worthy of our Best
Work You have to Love the students Believe that with God’s help, you can
make a difference in the lives of our students.
Start each day with prayer.
Success Lessons Learned Be a reflexive teacher. Be willing to learn new things. It won’t work if you don’t try it. Make parents your friends. Catch failures early. Set high expectation with a way to
get there. Grade with compassion not
intimidation. Treat students how you would want
to be treated as a student.
Success Lessons Learned Model the best of your favorite
teachers. Be consistent…and fair to all. Never lose your temper. Expect to adapt your lesson plan. It’s okay to relax on special days. Good Humor works. Graphic Organizers are great! Variety is the spice of engagement.
Success Lessons Learned It’s more important to have students
really learn what you’ve taught than to just get through the Course of Study.
Don’t just teach “The Test.” Circulate – don’t stagnate. Value student feedback & change as
needed Teacher Report Card Preparation! Preparation!
Preparation!
Have a Productive Year!
W. Glenn Walker, M. Ed.Secondary MathematicsDallas County Schools (Alabama)[email protected]
2007-08 Jacksonville State Teacher Hall of Fame Finalist
2006 Christian Educators Association International’s National Teacher of the Year
2001 Dallas County Teacher of the Year