Learn, Create, Share PLD

 I had the privilege of participating in the Learn Create Share programme during the Manaiakalani PLD, with a focus on Tackling Numeracy in CAA. The session explored strategies for enhancing vocabulary acquisition and student engagement through digital tools.

A key part of the experience involved collaborative work using the Miro online board and the Graphics Organiser, which helped structure our thinking and planning. These tools proved valuable in supporting learners' understanding and expression of mathematical concepts.

I had the opportunity to collaborate with Mr. Mansell throughout the session. Our discussions helped deepen my understanding of how to integrate these strategies effectively in the classroom to boost both comprehension and confidence in numeracy.

Here is my part of the  presentation:

My Hunch

Our last PLG, we were asked to formulate a hypothesis or hunch around our inquiry. We were required to generate a minimum of three hunches based on what we had learnt so far about our students and their learning environment.

Here is my Hunch:

If I provide daily practice with Do Now questions, then students' confidence and accuracy in numeracy exams will improve.

If I teach and model test-taking strategies (like checking work or estimating), then students will feel more prepared and score higher on the numeracy exam.

If I continue to incorporate regular Do Nows across all subjects, then students will show greater progress in key numeracy areas.

Term 2 Plan for my own class and Focus group

 My own class: During term 2, the focus is Geometry and Trigonometry.

Here is the plan for Term 1: Geometry/ Trigonometry:

• Vocab and Comprehension -Vocab is introduced in every lesson/ Miro interactive board.

• Assessment-Driven learning: PAT results, pre-tests, practice tests, and ViTaL sheet to track progress.

• 10 to 15 minutes Do Now Daily( using a Graphic organizer) on Geometry- helps activate prior knowledge and scaffold learning.

• KWL strategy for Trigonometry.

• Peer teaching and confidence building- Students work in teams, using the whiteboard to solve and explain problems together and build mathematical confidence.

• Workspace for Geometry with structured lessons. Link

• Video Lessons- Short, engaging lessons on Cobbett Maths and Transum Maths to reinforce learning.

• Digital Quizlet flashcards to build familiarity with Numeracy terminology and encourage independent learning.

• Wednesday after-school classes- working on Numeracy practice tests provides extra support.

• Topic test by the end of the test- ensures readiness for the next step.

• Numeracy homework on Education is perfect for Personalised learning- tailored for each student's levels and needs,

• Weekly conversation with Whanau/Well-being checks inns, strengthen school-home connection.

• Collaboration with Social Studies and Science with Do Nows to reinforce Numeracy in real world.

• Numeracy's past paper questions are on the NZQA website and in the Numeracy practice book.

My Focus: My focus with Do Nows for term2 and but for technology, is continued from Term1

Do Nows, as this subject is optional.

Term2 Plan for CAA(US32406)

 There are two CAAs in a year. One in May and the other in September. Year 11 learners and selected year 12/13 will sit in May. We are running Numeracy prep on Tuesdays during Period 3 & 4 and continuing study class on Wednesday after school.

Resources and support: I have been supporting all teachers(cross-curricular support) by providing weekly numeracy starters( Do nows) activities along with a ViTal sheet( tracking sheet) to track progress. These allow teachers to begin lessons with an engaging numeracy problem. Link

Holiday study class

 Year 11 students will be sitting the Numeracy exam in May (Week 5). To support them, we ran holiday classes during the first week for Year 11s, as well as a few Year 12 and 13 students who have enrolled to sit the exam. Learners focused on past papers from 2011 and 2012 (Term 2 and Term 3 papers). Attendance was around 30 students for the first two days, dropping to around 20 later in the week due to weather warnings. 

My Inquiry question 5-6

 

 My inquiry is an across-school focus on numeracy by providing 10 to 15 minutes" Do Nows.

(1) Plan term by term, providing Do Nows term by term(Plan for own class, Focus group, and all subject teachers).

(2) Term-by-term reflection to track their progress. Term1.

(3) Numeracy study class is on Wednesdays, and the holiday class is across the Maths department.

(4) Collaborating with all the departments and attending PLD with Ministry of Education facilitators.

(5) Collaborating with Mark Milford and Dr. Janni.

(6) My own class- Organise workspace, video lessons, practice tests, and past papers.

(7) Students' voice- to promote self-directed learners.

(8) Knowing the learners ' Ethnicity breakdown increases cultural awareness, sensitivity, and encourages empathy and understanding of the learners. link1 & link2

(9) PAT results - identify the ability level and tell which students are ready for the Numeracy exam as well as differentiated teaching.

(10) Literacy strategy- Graphic organiser & Vocabulary lict.

Visual Art Department PLD

We really enjoyed the Art Department’s session on Rhythm and Pattern, led by Ms. Ferguson. Art and Music are making a huge impact on the Numeracy exam. Both subjects have been supporting learning through "Do Now" activities.