Oct 14 Exit Slip

 Today we talked about the inquiry project, and we had some lively discussion about topics we are passionate about. The particular one I talked to Jack with was how standardizing test, specifically the FSA and GNA, and we were talking about how the BCTF really wants to get rid of the FSA while the ministry continues every year. We talked about the Fraser Institute rankings and how it affects schools, parents, districts, etc.

We then switched gears, and had an impressive video about multi-dimensional mathematics, the inquiry based classroom, and the focus on mathematical education being off track for the past 40 years or more. The classroom shown in the video where students walk up to the board, take initiative and solve complex real life problems, use the vocabulary learned and discuss with each other how to approach it left the biggest impression for the day. While there may be some concerns about other students who may not be participating in the  classroom, it is an engaging, student-led classroom and one that takes a lot of trust in the room with the teacher and students to do. I aspire to have a classroom like that in my career, where students take on the responsibility to discuss and learn in an innate way that isn't coerced by extrinsic things like grades or whatever. It's a bit of a stretch to be able to do that by the end of the extended practicum, but hopefully one day when I am working throughout the year I will be able to have that kind of open environment!