They are redoing the schedule for next semester so that means that I will have to teach a combined Pre-algebra and algebra class of 16 - 9th graders. I told them I would need an aid in the room to help out. I can already see that I will be using more digital resources to have students take more responsibility for their learning.
Today instead of using IXL to find the level of understanding of material, I had my Algebra II students use it to learn solving systems of equations better. Most of my students used it to work on understanding the material and which area to shade. It was wonderful when a student told me they struggled with the topic because they still had trouble differentiating between the two inequalities signs. This was awesome.
I will write more on how I plan to integrate the two math classes.
Showing posts with label IXL app. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IXL app. Show all posts
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
IXL more uses
Today my Algebra I classes were beginning linear equations so I had them use the guest feature of IXL and try 10 problems on identifying linear functions vs nonlinear functions. I used this as the pretest for the unit and early next week, I will have them retake the test so I can see how much they improved. I like being able to do a pre and post test although I do not always get a chance to use either as much as I like.
Then in my Geometry class, I had IXL on my computer and went to the section on using SSS and SAS to prove congruency and I projected problems on my smart board and had the students write down their answers on SAS Gloss on the ipad. They would hold the ipads up so I could check answers. They were pretty good at choosing SSS or SAS but not as good on any other reasons on the proof. This tells me I need to work on their understanding of the reasons for why they can do certain things. I then put up a couple questions on AAS and ASA just to check but I could not really use it as a pretest today so I think on Thursday I will have them do 10 questions on AAS and ASA proofs.
Then in my Geometry class, I had IXL on my computer and went to the section on using SSS and SAS to prove congruency and I projected problems on my smart board and had the students write down their answers on SAS Gloss on the ipad. They would hold the ipads up so I could check answers. They were pretty good at choosing SSS or SAS but not as good on any other reasons on the proof. This tells me I need to work on their understanding of the reasons for why they can do certain things. I then put up a couple questions on AAS and ASA just to check but I could not really use it as a pretest today so I think on Thursday I will have them do 10 questions on AAS and ASA proofs.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Assessment.
I have known for a while that I need to do more assessment. Today as my students used a couple apps, I realized I could use the data from the apps to determine how they are doing or use the results as the assessment.
For my geometry class, I sent the students to IXL and had them take 5 questions for three topics dealing with triangles. The results are an assessment and I can uses the results as a quiz grade because they are answering questions. IXL is nice because you can access up to 20 questions per day per iPad without having to sign up for the service. I can have 2 different classes do 10 questions on a certain topic and use the results as the quiz score. I feel kind of stupid because I've used IXL before but never considered using it as the assessment. <grins> I think we all go through that.
I had my Algebra 1 classes do card clutter today. Its a game where students get certain numbers they have to put in order. If they do not accomplish it within a certain period of time, the app shows them the correct answer and asks them if they want to retry. I noticed that many of my kids would just hit the move on button so they could brag that they completed level whatever without really paying attention to the information. The assessment value I gathered from watching the students is that most are pretty good at ordering integers but they are not as good when they run into fractions, decimals or mixed. I can use this information when I write their homework assignment up. I can put problems that require them to order numbers so they can practice this skill. I can also put one or two problems on the warm-up. I like being able to scaffold by sliding in problems in both the warm-up and the homework.
For my geometry class, I sent the students to IXL and had them take 5 questions for three topics dealing with triangles. The results are an assessment and I can uses the results as a quiz grade because they are answering questions. IXL is nice because you can access up to 20 questions per day per iPad without having to sign up for the service. I can have 2 different classes do 10 questions on a certain topic and use the results as the quiz score. I feel kind of stupid because I've used IXL before but never considered using it as the assessment. <grins> I think we all go through that.
I had my Algebra 1 classes do card clutter today. Its a game where students get certain numbers they have to put in order. If they do not accomplish it within a certain period of time, the app shows them the correct answer and asks them if they want to retry. I noticed that many of my kids would just hit the move on button so they could brag that they completed level whatever without really paying attention to the information. The assessment value I gathered from watching the students is that most are pretty good at ordering integers but they are not as good when they run into fractions, decimals or mixed. I can use this information when I write their homework assignment up. I can put problems that require them to order numbers so they can practice this skill. I can also put one or two problems on the warm-up. I like being able to scaffold by sliding in problems in both the warm-up and the homework.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
IXL app
I started playing with the IXL app last night. It allows you to use the materials as a guest but there is a daily limit on how many problems can be done. It has practice problems for grades K to Algebra II. I like it because it has the problem, allows the student to work it out and enter the answer. If the student is wrong, then the program shows the student what the answer should be and how to get it. It reviews the process and actually shows the math involved. I like that because students get immediate feedback and do not have to wait. The app is free but if you want unlimited access to IXL then you need to pay a yearly fee. Since I have 5 classes, I am going to have to make sure I do not assign more than two classes per day on it so that I do not use up the allowed amount of free problems per day.
I like that it has a variety of topics for each class and has Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry.
I've found it is often hard to find things for High school math that are low cost or free. I like this and plan to integrate it into my classroom. It will help the students monitor their learning as long as they actually read the explanations.
I like that it has a variety of topics for each class and has Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry.
I've found it is often hard to find things for High school math that are low cost or free. I like this and plan to integrate it into my classroom. It will help the students monitor their learning as long as they actually read the explanations.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)