1. In this video, you will view a middle school lesson on how to factor a trinomial. What immediately came to your mind? Why?

 

  Factor a trinomial made me think of equations, algebra, problem-solving. Fun times, when problems were just math problems in the worksheet.

 

2. Did this snippet of a lesson reflect what you initially thought the lesson would resemble? Why? How was it different than what you originally considered? OR How was it the same?

 

   I was taught polynomial equation in almost the same manner so the clip was very familiar.

 

3. How is the teacher "presenting" information? (e.g., is she "talking at" students or "telling students" information for an extended period of time? Is there an isolated "teacher" time? Is there an isolated student "activity or work" time?)

 

   The teacher made the lesson very inclusive. She constantly posed guided questions to help develop the students' thinking. She posed the problem and guided the student to the answer but never gave them the answer itself. I liked the part where she asked a student that was not participating as much and when he answered correctly she asked him “ok why do you think that?”

 

   He first responded, “I don’t know.” Which the teacher knew wasn't true and pushed him further to answer. This was so that he could verbalize his working out at the same time share with his peers. The peers can learn from him.

 

4. How are the students responding?

 

   Students seem very eager to respond. The teacher did create a “safe to fail” environment and encouraged failing as it’s a learning opportunity for all.  

 

5.  What is your key takeaway from this video clip?

 

   Key takeaway:

• To create lessons to always engage the student.

• To provide guiding questions to encourage the students to carry out a higher order of thinking.

• Create a ‘safe to fail’ environment as that’s a learning opportunity.

• Engage students in dialogue. Which can help the teacher to carry out a formative assessment.