In this Learning Support Math Fundamentals class, the students have begun studying simple algebraic concepts at the sixth grade level. Due to their previous exposure to single-step equations, my co-op requested that I introduce the students to two-step equations. This group of students often expressed their confusion and anxiety regarding math verbally throughout class, so I tried to break down the process tangibly and enthusiastically.
Although I was initially hesitant to introduce a new topic to these students, they blew me away with their understanding of the concepts! From the beginning of the lesson, all students put their technology away and engaged in conversation with me. My co-op mentioned that I redirected firmly when the students started to become distracted, and this effectively kept them on task. The students referenced their notecards throughout the lesson, and I think this organized way of looking at the steps helped them to better understand the process. During the examples, one student seemed confused by the difference between a constant and a coefficient, but by referencing an earlier problem, it made more sense to him. I provided many examples for the students, but I wish that I practiced a few problems with negative numbers for them before giving them their independent assignment. During their quiet work time, I scaffolded as necessary by referencing the cards and helped with these types of problems. The students remained engaged the whole time, and a lot of the students who do not typically enjoy math earned perfect scores on the practice page. I think I paced my lesson well and motivated the students by making sure to call on each person equally. My feedback was specific and tailored to their needs, although in the future, I would explain why we solve constants first. Besides that and including a few more varied examples, I felt proud of the outcome of this lesson.