Boosting Engagement With Notices and Wonders

Summary

In this educational video, a teacher employs the 'I notice, I wonder' technique to foster active observation and inquiry in her heterogeneously grouped classroom. Students analyze a graph on energy usage, noting trends and expressing their curiosities, which the teacher uses to gauge their understanding and guide further discussion. This approach promotes collaborative learning, individual pacing, and inclusive participation.

Takeaways

• 📊 The teacher uses a graph to highlight the variability in learning paces among students.
• 👩‍🏫 The teacher is aware of the diverse learning needs and paces of her students.
• 🔍 The 'I notice, I wonder' activity is used to encourage students to observe and question the data presented.
• 👥 The classroom is heterogeneously grouped, indicating a mix of abilities and learning levels.
• 🚀 Some students are expected to bypass Algebra One, indicating a non-tracked, flexible learning environment.
• 📈 The graph contains a lot of information, making it suitable for in-depth analysis and discussion.
• 🤔 The 'I notice' part of the activity helps students to focus and articulate what they observe from the graph.
• 🗣️ Students are encouraged to discuss their observations with peers to enhance their understanding.
• 📋 The teacher is gathering information on individual variability to tailor her approach to teaching.
• 🤷‍♀️ The 'I wonder' part allows students to express their curiosity and identify what they need to know.
• 🌐 The activity promotes collaborative learning and gives every student a voice in the discussion.

Q & A

What is the main teaching strategy discussed in the script?

The main teaching strategy discussed is the 'I notice, I wonder' approach, which encourages students to observe and reflect on what they see in a graph before asking questions.

Why is the 'I notice, I wonder' method used in the classroom?

It is used to help students slow down and focus on the information presented, allowing them to learn from each other and build confidence.

What does the teacher mean by 'variability is the norm'?

The teacher is acknowledging that students learn at different paces, and she is creating a mechanism to understand their individual starting points.

What does the teacher mean by 'developmental starting points'?

The 'developmental starting points' refer to the different levels of understanding or knowledge that students have when they begin learning new material.

Why is the classroom described as 'heterogeneously grouped'?

The classroom is heterogeneously grouped because it contains students of varying abilities, with some potentially bypassing Algebra One and others taking pre-algebra.

What does the script suggest about the range of student abilities in the class?

The script suggests that there is a wide range of abilities, with some students advancing to more advanced classes and others needing pre-algebra.

What is the purpose of having students write down their 'notices'?

The purpose is to have students observe and articulate what they see in the graph, which helps them to focus and potentially identify details they might have missed.

How does the 'I notice, I wonder' method facilitate collaborative learning?

It facilitates collaborative learning by encouraging students to share their observations and questions, allowing them to learn from each other's insights.

What does the script imply about the importance of looking at both the graph and its caption?

The script implies that both the graph and its caption are important, as the student who notices the 'monthly energy review' caption is praised for looking at the entire context.

What does the script suggest about the role of questions in learning?

The script suggests that questions are crucial for guiding learning, as they help identify what students need to know and stimulate curiosity.

What is the significance of the teacher asking students to share their 'wonders'?

The significance is that it allows the teacher to gauge what the students are curious about and what they might need to learn next.

How does the 'I notice, I wonder' method contribute to a more inclusive classroom?

It contributes to a more inclusive classroom by giving every student a voice and allowing them to listen to others' ideas before engaging in analysis.