Building a Reflective Math Classroom

Contributed by: Yeo Pih Tai Helen, Nurul Aida Binte Nurhakim, Linda Chang Chin Yoon Ong Lay Hong Gloria Teng Ho-Sam Choon Juen (Math Dept.)

1. What is the current need/gap that you are addressing?

One of the SOs in the Math Department’s Action Plan focuses on helping students develop math dispositions through our math curriculum, specifically in encouraging growth mindsets, seeing mistakes made as opportunities for improvement, and thinking about their math learning beyond just getting answers, as well as learning how to learn math independently and effectively. In line with this SO, this IdEa@Work team aims to begin with the math teachers reforming their own teaching practices. This includes introducing and putting in place more intentionally reflective practices within their math classrooms in a sustainable manner. We believe strongly in role-modelling reflective practices, for indeed, what we do not believe in, we cannot convince our students likewise. It is hoped that with these reflective and metacognitive practices put in place, the students will • become more than just doers and answers-getters, but are able to be increasingly confident in expressing themselves mathematically about their learning, including their mistakes made and what they do well in; • see more meaning in what they are doing and thereby learn more deeply.

2. What are the proposed plans for experimentation and enactment?

March – April 2022: The team read 3 articles on Reflective Practices singled out by the team leader. In summary, the 3 articles covered • the benefits of reflection, • The 8 components of a reflective classroom, • suggested reflective practices tried and tested. The team subsequently met to share what resonated with them in the articles and what reflective practice(s) each would like to try out in their classrooms. May – September 2022: Team members tried out and more intentionally put in place these chosen practices in their classrooms. We met periodically to check on one another’s experiences with our own classes and as we tried, we took note of what worked best for each class based on students’ responses and from there we narrowed down our individual choices for greater focus. October – November 2022: The Team shared their practices and experimentation in 2022 with the rest of the Department and made recommendations for implementation by ALL math teachers in 2023: 1. Teachers were asked to pick and adopt ONE reflective practice they would like to try out in 2023 with their 2023 classes. 2. Each team of level teachers is to choose another reflective practice to adopt and implement together as a level in 2023. Jan – May 2023: Each math teacher embarked on the journey of developing reflective learners in their math classrooms by putting in place their chosen reflective practices in their math lessons. The Department met periodically to share our progress and also share samples of our students’ responses to these reflective practices.

3. Which group will likely benefit?

Students (Entire Cohort)

4. Briefly describe the possible implementation plans

• Tap on more online platforms to do these reflections, especially now that the Sec 1s finally have their PLDs and to do some of it “offline” to save some lesson time. • Get students to share their learning and reflections periodically with their peers, even beyond their own classes. We are confident that there will be lots of richness to be shared, and yes, beyond getting the right answers.

6. Where would you like to share your learning from this IdEas@work when it is completed?

Department Platform, School-wide Platform, External Platforms