First Days of Math Class / Meaningful Math
by Michelle Russell · Published 08/14/2016 · Last modified 11/20/2019
Before planning her first lessons, math teacher Michelle Russell came up with her three teaching goals for the year. Most of all, she wants to strengthen her student relationships and make learning about math more fun. See the survey she did on Day One.
Meaningful Math / Productive Struggle
by Michelle Russell · Published 07/18/2016 · Last modified 11/20/2019
Department chair Michelle Russell has spent time this summer thinking about what “productive struggle” should mean for the students in her math classroom. Some research – and several workshop experiences where she struggled herself – have given her new insights.
Math teachers looking for ways to promote deeper student “math talk” might consider team card sorting, says Michelle Russell, author of MiddleWeb’s new “Meaningful Math” blog. Among her tips: resist jumping in to help – and always have a culminating activity.
