As I am in the middle of my experiment, I am experiencing the full range of emotions and issues expected of any change.
I started my Harkness experiment on Monday, May 6. The prior Friday I had given my 52 Algebra 1 students the first eight problems (mostly pilfered from Exeter's Book 1), along with some explanation to the intent of the method. I expected that the students would try the problems and come to class ready to discuss.
Yeah. 12 of the 52 students admitted to attempting the assignment. I called an audible and gave the students 15 minutes to independently work, and then the students began.
Fast forward to yesterday (Monday, May 13)... The students had a few problems to work over the weekend, and 14 of the 50 present students had tried the problems. Also, the groups of about 13 students each were just a mess. Lack of preparation and lack of interest came together in a bad way.
After (barely) surviving the day and blaming the students, I thought, "What can I do to improve this?" I took Johnothon Sauer's advice and created groups of about six today.
I had to write this now...my first Algebra class went great! I handed out a sheet detailing what a good group discussion should look like, and the smaller groups did it. I could sit down, engage the students, and the groups worked and were quiet about it. They discussed how to solve a challenging equation, and worked together.
Yesterday, I wanted to quit this experiment; today, I love Harkness!
More later...
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