Looking at students grow

One of the most interesting aspects of working with freshman students is observing how they grow, and essentially shape their identities over the first year. You can see students trying to figure out how they belong an fit in the 'system'. The changes they make can sometimes be dramatic, for better or for worse. I think freshman year is probably the most important time in determining attitude and performance of students for the rest of their high school years, and probably beyond.

I have seen a lot of students grow immensely over the past few months. Some had to learn from their mistakes, for example by being placed out of an accelerated algebra class to algebra. Some had to retake the class etc. But most students have made a lot of progress. With three -four teachers and assistants in the class, we give attention to a lot of students and provide personal assistance which makes a big difference in how students perform.

Mrs. Porter and me were recently discussing the Michigan math assessments that students have to take three times a year, when they come in, in January and at the end of the year, and how many students have done so much better. You can also see that in the class, and through the engagement and questions being asked. Looking at where we started, it is very cool to see students talk about quadratic equations, parabolas, vertices and axes of symmetry. In addition, as students cover more and advanced concepts, the applications and possibilities to tie them to engineering increase as well. In the next couple of weeks, I will be looking at ways to present some applications of quadratic equations and relate them to class, and there should be plenty of those.