Day 4: New Planet Presentations

Today the students presented their choices and reasoning for those choices on the New Planet Activity (see yesterday's post). After ten minutes of prep time, the groups went to board. I thought the groups would take about five minutes each; they averaged about 2.5 minutes each, so we were left with about 25 minutes of class.

I handed out the reflection and asked the students to write for about ten minutes quietly. They ended up taking about 15 minutes (good!) and chatted quietly for the last few minutes.

I wish that all the students participated in the presentations; a couple of groups had some students not talk. For the first presentation of the year, I was happy with the result. I certainly need to become more comfortable with groups and presentations, and the students will gain comfort with this style of learning as well.

I also need to learn how to handle my new-found "free time" -- since the groups discuss the tasks, I don't have my usual job lecturing. I feel lost just wandering the room, listening to discussions. It's weird! Once the Algebra starts, I believe that I'll find my footing.

The Plan for Tomorrow...

For the final day of the New Planet Activity, the class will debrief as a group, and the students will generate the norms for group discussion/interaction. Should be another good day.