Teach. Tech. Math.
Innovation Update
Reflection is an essential part of the innovation process, allowing me to assess my progress and refine my approach. My innovation project began with a proposal to the district and stakeholders, aimed at addressing the impact of Senate Bill 2124, which requires the top 40% of 5th-grade students to be placed in advanced math in 6th grade to stay on track for Algebra 1 in 8th grade. The core of my plan is to use blended learning in advanced middle school math classrooms to fill potential learning gaps.
Throughout my coursework, my plan has evolved into a more student-centered approach, driven by COVA principles—giving students Choice, Ownership, and Voice through Authentic learning experiences (Harapunik, 2018). This transformation has shaped the way I view education and the role of technology in the classroom.
So far, I have created several key components for my project:
1. Call-to-Action Video: I developed a video to communicate the urgency and importance of adopting blended learning strategies in advanced math classrooms. This was my first step in building awareness among stakeholders.
2. Literature Review: Conducting a comprehensive literature review allowed me to explore research on blended learning, personalized learning plans, and flipped classrooms. This research provided the foundation for my innovation plan, validating the need for change.
3. Professional Learning Plan: I designed a plan to support educators in understanding and implementing digital learning tools. This will help ensure they are equipped to support students in a blended learning environment, addressing both instructional and technological needs.
These components have been essential to shaping a well-rounded, actionable innovation project that can significantly impact my district's approach to advanced mathematics education.
Where are we now?
As of the 2024-2025 school year, I am in the process of gradually implementing blended learning units into my honors mathematics courses. I have introduced these strategies where they seem most appropriate, allowing me to assess their effectiveness in real time. By taking this measured approach, I can identify areas that require further refinement before a full rollout
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Looking ahead, my goal is to have the blended learning approach fully implemented in my advanced math courses by the 2025-2026 school year. To achieve this, I still need to:
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Finalize and refine the blended learning strategies based on current observations and feedback from students.
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Complete training sessions for educators to ensure they are fully prepared to implement digital learning tools.
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Continue developing and enhancing the blended learning curriculum to ensure it meets the needs of all students. Below are two examples of personalized learning trackers.
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I aim to have these tasks completed by the end of the current school year so that everything is in place for the full rollout next year.
The learning process I’ve undergone while working on my innovation project has been both transformative and eye-opening. From the initial stages of ideation to the gradual implementation, I’ve experienced a deeper understanding of educational technology and student-centered learning.
Key Aspects of My Learning Process:
1. Shifting from Teacher-Centered to Student-Centered: Initially, my focus was primarily on the tools and technology of blended learning. However, as I immersed myself in the COVA approach, I shifted toward a more student-centered mindset. This transformation required me to rethink my role as an educator, from one who delivers content to one who facilitates learning, allowing students to take ownership of their education.
2. The Importance of Flexibility: Throughout this project, I’ve learned that flexibility is crucial. No plan is perfect from the start, and adjustments need to be made based on real-time feedback. By gradually introducing blended learning into my courses, I could fine-tune my strategies, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of my students.
3. Research-Driven Practices: Conducting a literature review and action research plan was pivotal in shaping my understanding of blended learning and personalized learning plans. It reinforced the importance of grounding innovation in evidence-based practices. This research has also pushed me to stay updated on new educational technologies and strategies that align with my goals.
4. Collaboration and Leadership: This project has challenged me to step into a leadership role within my district. I’ve learned the importance of collaborating with other educators to share ideas, address concerns, and support each other in implementing digital tools. Through this collaboration, I’ve gained new insights that have further strengthened my project.
What Worked:
- Gradual Implementation: Starting small and building up has allowed me to test the waters, make adjustments, and ensure my plan is practical and effective. I will fully implement a 6-week plan at the end of this school year to help honors students prepare for the STAAR test.
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- Student-Centered Focus: Shifting the focus to student ownership has increased engagement and made learning more meaningful. I have seen a significant change in my classroom throughout my ADL program.
Areas for Improvement:
- Earlier Collaboration: I realized that I should have engaged more educators and stakeholders earlier in the process to gather diverse perspectives and feedback from the start.
- More Reflection: Regular reflection throughout the project could have helped me refine my strategies more frequently, rather than waiting for larger milestones.
Lessons Learned:
- Adaptability is key: Plans must evolve based on student needs and contextual challenges. Throughout this program I have been constantly reflecting and evolving my learning, from updating my literature review, growth mindset plan, updating a reflection on COVA to this update for my innovation plan.
- Collaboration strengthens innovation: Involving peers and getting their feedback earlier can enrich the project.
Future Application:
Moving forward, I will apply the lessons learned from this project to my next innovation by prioritizing ongoing reflection, early collaboration, and maintaining a student-centered approach. These key aspects will guide my future efforts, ensuring that any innovation I pursue will be adaptable, evidence-based, and meaningful for both students and educators.
References:
Harapnuik, D. (2018, July 14). COVA. It's About Learning: Creating Significant Learning Environments. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991