Paula Scull

My third project will have students recording solutions for a fraction activity. Most of my students are second language learners and need practice using the vocabulary for learning the academic language for fractions. I want them to use key vocabulary such as numerator and denominator, whole and equal. I will have them use the language for numerator telling how many parts are being counted and denominator telling how many equal parts are in the whole. I will ask students to evaluate if recording findings and editing helped them clarify their understandings.

I will start by recording a group discussion similar to project 2 and then post selected samples of student work-recording findings.

One advantage will be for other students to be able to listen to peer work. I have a few students that have frequent absences so I think this will help them as well.

I will use voice recorder, save student recordings using iTunes renaming selections by student names, and sync to the iTunes library on each iPod.

the students can also use the playlist to listen to Action Fraction. I also have them using the following website to work on exploring fractions: <http://www.mathplayground.com/fraction_bars.html> The students can set up the bar to represent any fraction filling in the numerator and denominator. It allow them to compare up to four fraction bars. This has helped in adding and subtracting fractions and finding the simple fraction.

I used the group rotation idea for the students to become familiar with voice recorder during project 2. For this project I had 2 students per day work on the same problem and record the story problem showing how to connect microphone and record findings. After recording the problem question, they worked on a task sheet from the text to break down the problem into steps. I added the use of fraction bar manipulatives for them to have a visual while working on the task. They filled out the graphic organizer and shared responses with partner. The remainder of the class was completing the same task, with partners and writing responses.

After meeting with me to review finds, they recorded the questions from the worksheet.

I found that by listening to the student responses, the concept of naming a fraction is still difficult for these far below students. They will say three out of eight but not three eights as easily. Some have begun to add in the vocabulary or information from the questions into the answer. I have modified the lessons for the next three weeks to require academic language.

Questions for me to work on during the remainder of this project: How to add multiple recordings and use of playlist for having the students listen to peer work.

This first project has a focus on multiplication with 3rd grade. It uses a reading summary frame to assist in clarifying the steps used to solve the problem. I created a rubric for the project (a slide in the keynote). I had the students work on solving a word problem using a choice of materials including tiles, cubes, tally charts, and white boards. The children began by solving the problem on their own. During this time I rotated around the room clarifying questions and procedures. I also took photos of the students as they worked. They were saved in iphoto library.
The next step was for the students to write the steps they used using a story summary frame from language arts. I met with the students and listened to their summary. I noticed I needed to have them remember the rubric since many did not include the "math" in the writing. During the edit, some added vocabulary and only a few added expressions. 2 used equations. The writing was a challenge for them. I learned also, that I needed a microphone. The voice on the keynote was very soft.
what was exciting was the amount of time and pride the students had for creating this project. (Lots of practice reading with expression ).
I learned a great deal about importing photos using voice recorder. This frustration was a catalist for me to attend extra sessions for support. These sessions were very helpful.

This is my first movie file.

This is my zip file of the original keynote.