Formulating my Hypothesis to improve teaching of Maths

Based on my previous TAI steps, I identified the following most important hunches for my inquiry:

I believe that 

- updating the maths programme to include all the effective elements of the maths programme (research based) 

- sharing and unpacking Term 1 testing results with our learners, 

- employing student agency - teaching students how to use self-assessment (matrices) to support their own learning, and

- collaborating with other teachers and sharing best practices 

will improve students' learning outcomes and enhance their learning experiences.

Reevaluating and adjusting my, my team's maths programme  to include all the effective elements of the maths programme (research based): number talk, targeted teaching sessions, teacher designed consolidation activities, independent activities and opportunities to apply their knowledge and create in maths (rich tasks and investigations).

By unpacking the term 1 results with students, educators can help them understand their strengths and weaknesses and take ownership of their learning. 

Taking a more data-driven approach by consistently using formative (and summative) assessment tools to inform our teaching.

Training students to self-assess using Maths Matrices to help them identify areas where they need additional support and extra practice. By providing students with the tools they need to support their own learning, educators can help to foster a sense of agency and responsibility in their students.

Teacher collaboration and data sharing are essential in Maths education. By working together and sharing data, educators can identify areas for improvement, set goals, create and share resources, and adjust their teaching practices to improve student outcomes.

Hybrid Learning - Creating Inspirational Learning Environments

This year educators faced a number of challenges, including students' poor attendance due to covid, low academic levels of some students as a result of their inconsistent approach to learning during lockdowns,  and general issues with re-engaging when they are back at school.

First, I decided to focus on making learning fun, engaging and inspirational to my team: both students and team members. My perception of the initial step in forming my inquiry was in line with Russell's question: 'How do I have present, happy, healthy and engaged tauira (both students and teachers) who are learning in the Goldilocks Zone?'

I believe that you’ve already heard about the Goldilocks Zone but think it's still worth clarifying its definition. Theo Dawson: 'It’s the range in which a learning task is just challenging enough to support optimal learning by stimulating interest and triggering the dopamine-opioid cycle—the brain’s natural motivational cycle. The brains of babies and young children are wired to learn in the Goldilocks Zone, but formal education often disrupts the dopamine-opioid cycle. As a consequence, many (perhaps most) older children, adolescents, and adults must rediscover the Goldilocks Zone if they want to learn optimally from everyday experience.' 

So, we needed some fun to improve our tamariki learning experiences, hook them up and motivate them to be present and engaged. Magic and collaboration formed my response to the situation: as a team, we dived into the world of magical learning and teaching. We’ve been busy designing our magic wands, using them and sharing our creative stories. It looks like we managed to sprinkle some magic over other students as this definitely improved their attendance and engagement.

The results were rewarding:

• students' engagement was very high - including the students who worked from home and participated in our activities via Google meets.
• improved reading and writing outcomes
• creating a positive and collaborative learning environment
• improving and taking my team's collaboration (teachers) to the next level
• increased attendance!