High standards are accessible to all students at Fox Lane Middle School in Bedford, NY. From exploring the angles of the Freedom Towers in order to plan an adjacent park, to redesigning a cereal box that will use less cardboard, the students in the math class of Sarah Bazzano and Michelle Grier are working on solving higher order, open-ended problems. By designing these authentic learning units, Sarah and Michelle are able to help students apply the math they learn in school to the world around them.
Why did you become a teacher?
Michelle – My first career was in engineering, but I always felt like I wasn't having a real effect on people. As an engineer, I often found myself in a teaching role, so a career in teaching was a natural transition for me.
Sarah – I really liked my 10th grade math teacher. Since math came naturally to me, it was a logical choice.
What do you like most about teaching in a learner active classroom?
Michelle – The sense that the kids "get it." They actually realize how math applies to the world around them. Every child may not be able to do every skill, but they are able to apply what they do to real life situations.
How do you feel students benefit from being in a learner active classroom?
Sarah – The kids are more comfortable because their different needs are addressed. By using things like mini-lessons or technology, they can learn in their own way. Kids benefit from having two adults in the room because we are able to check in more frequently with them. While Michelle runs a mini-lesson, I can walk around the room and facilitate.
What structures are most helpful to you as a teacher? Why?
All of them put together! I like how the kids who are struggling can use many structures and advanced kids can just jump ahead. When we conducted mini-lessons, the kids took it upon themselves to get more help. It was so empowering. They also seemed to enjoy being part of a smaller group and receiving more individualized attention.
Which of the 10 Principles are most important in your class and why?
Student Responsibility for Learning because the sooner you start developing it, the better off they'll
be in the end! It's a skill that will take them a long way in the real world.
Felt Need and Connected Learning are huge in math too. It answers the question, "When will we ever use this?!"
Tell me about your favorite unit you did last year.
We did a unit on systems of equations in which the students had to use equations to solve real-life problems, such as which cell phone plan was the best option. They then had to choose a way to present their finding to the class. Some students created power point presentations, some made brochures, and others used white boards. They did a great job. We gave them choices in class and they were very resourceful. They found software on-line that graphed lines for them, that we didn’t even know existed!
Slope Intercept PowerPoint (If you have PowerPoint, you can click this link and select Open and the presentation will open in your browser).