November 2011
Resource: What's Your Math Problem!?! by Linda Gojak
Reflection Question:
Chapter 2
What steps can you take to implement the Launch-Explore-Summarize Instructional Model in your classroom?
Resource: Strategies for Teaching Mathematics by Deborah V. Mink
Reflection Question:
Chapter 2
Which strategy did you find the most useful? Why?
Currently, we are required to include a problem of the week in our lesson plans, using the Balanced Math Program. I post the problem on Monday with the skeleton outline prompting the students to fill in the needed information. After the initial introduction of the problem students are permitted to work on the problem whenever they finish their classwork individually or as a group. We go over the problem on Fridays, the student who solved it, explains it to the class. I will then ask if anyone is still unsure as to how they arrived at their solution and go over it again or share alternate solutions.
ReplyDeleteUsing the Cornerstone Model has already placed the LES model in my math workshop.Even though Cornerstone talks about reading and writing, I found using the Mini Lesson, Composing Meaning, and Reflection instruction easily applied to Math. The LES model has the same basis just different names.I enjoy using this instuctional method because it really makes the students more responsible for their work and it gives me a better idea of where each child is since I can conference and work one on one or in small groups during the Composing Meaning/Explore section.
ReplyDeleteDouble Churches Elementary
I really like the Problem of the Week that involves a variety of strategies to solve. I also also like using the daily review/weekly review assessment method that I learned in the 5 Easy Steps training a few years ago. This is a strategy that I have used consistently and tried to improve on along the way. I make it a point to try to construct problems in such a way that they involve more than one concept, and that the different domains are intertwined and support one another.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Grant
Waddell Elementary
"Reflection Question:Chapter 2
ReplyDeleteWhat steps can you take to implement the Launch-Explore-Summarize Instructional Model in your classroom?"
I feel that we already use this method eventhough we don't exactly use this language. The steps we use to problem solve are "understand, plan, solve, check". We doing a Problem of the Week every Tuesday in which we first read the problem and try to understand what it is telling/asking us. We write down all key information that we think might be important. We then take that information to organize a plan on how we will use those numbers to come to a resonable solution. The students then take that information and solve. They must explain the steps in which they used their plan to come to a reasonalbe answer and then defend why they believe their answer is correct.
"Reflection Question:Chapter 2
Which strategy did you find the most useful?Why?"
I didn't necessarily find a strategy more useful than the others. However, I understand I need to increase my manipulative resources. I have basics like pattern blocks, counters, protracters, rulers, etc and they have a designated place in the room so that students know where to access them whenever they might need them. I just don't think to teach with them as much as I should. I like to draw on the board or use examples on the smartboard and I just don't tap into the hands on physical resources that I have as much as I know I should.
Ian Allen
5th Grade
River Road Elementary
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe Launch-Explore-Summarize is very similar to the Cornerstone workshop model and GaDOE standards-based classroom model which we are currently using. I like the specific questions in the book that allow teachers to purposefully design their lessons.
ReplyDeleteThe vocabulary strategies continue to be useful schoolwide. They are being used as a part of the instructional strategies for improvement in areas of weakness as indicated by MAP testing.
Cheryl Hampel, St. Marys Magnet Academy
What’s Your Math Problem!?! Getting to the Heart of Teaching Problem Solving by Linda Gojack
ReplyDeleteImplementing the “Launch, Explore, and Summarize Instructional Model” should be quite comfortable for teachers in Cornerstone Schools. Launch, Explore and Summarize approximate the components of “Reader’s Workshop.” “Launch” mirrors “Crafting.” The same is true of “Explore” and “Composing Meaning” and “Summarize” and “Reflection.” In “Launch,” the teacher reviews/models/links previously taught concepts needed to complete the problem just as teachers do in “Crafting.” In “Explore,” the teacher facilitates/monitors small groups, partners, or individuals as they work toward solving the problem. Isn’t this “Composing Meaning?” Finally, there is “Summarizing” in which students “reflect” upon their learning and the learning of others. The transition from “Reader’s Workshop” to “Launch, Explore, and Summarize” should be seamless.
Strategies for Teaching Mathematics by Deborah V. Mink
“Using Linking Cubes for Understanding Area and Perimeter” enables the student to readily discriminate between area and perimeter. By viewing teacher modeling and actually completing such tasks as border around a bulletin board and tiles for a floor using linking cubes, the concepts of area and perimeter will become embedded in students’ memories.
Patti Pratt-King
Caitlyn Garner
Hannan Academy
We are currently using the workshop model here at Forrest Road. This is also taking place in some of our math classes. The Launch-Explore-Summarize Instructional Model is very similar to the workshop model with crafting, composing meaning and reflection. We will continue to use the workhshop model in math and promote the use of the workshop model across grade levels.
ReplyDeleteWe really like all of the strategies for using manipulatives. We both agree that manipulatives need to be used more in all grade levels not just the primary grades. We really liked the idea of having free exploration of math manipulatives before actually using them in a math lesson.
Amy Patrick and Diane Ventimiglia
Forrest Road Elementary
As a Cornerstone school, we already have the Launch, Explore, Summarize model in place in our mathematics classrooms. We have also had problem based teaching training with Dottie Whitlow where she explained the importance of teaching mathematics through problems. Through the launch period, teachers help students understand the context of the problem and then allow them time to develop a plan and work through it. When we reflect (summarize), students see that there is more than one way to solve a problem and extend their own thinking.
ReplyDeleteWe are rethinking how we use manipulatives. It is important to give students time to explore before using them as a strategy in mathemataics. Children need to know that there are many different kinds and can be used in many different ways. They need to know that they have choice.
Jean Skibbe
Fox Elementary
What steps can you take to implement the Launch- Explore-Summarize Instructional Model?
ReplyDeleteI think that whenever you implement something new in your class the best thing to do is to practice and model rituals, routines, and procedures. We actually use this concept at my school. I try to get the kids engaged and make it fun so that they will not become bored. Relating it to their world, clearing up misconceptions, and helping struggling students. Setting up the exploring part can be challenge. Having strong students to help be team leaders for groups is a good start. Also setting up rules, guidelines and your expectations is also helpful. Then the summarize part is just allowing students to discuss their thinking and what they have learned.
What strategy did you find the most useful? Why?
The tendency of beans was a good one. We were actually discussing mean, median, and mode in my class during this time so I used this activity the next day in class. I can truly say that now about 95% of my class has the concept and understands when and why to use it.
Stenson
Muscogee Elementary