Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2

Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"

I am most proud of the fact that even prior to tonight's class, I have placed my students into groups for varying levels of instruction and group work.  We have reading and math groups that are based on the students scoring on their MAP assessments (which are required to be according to their levels).  There are also groups based on my laboratory rotations since I have all 3 levels in class at one time.  Since the students are with me all day, I am able to chunk the information according to their varying levels and the groups are mixed with high and low achievers, as well as on gender, disabilities, and ethnicity.  The shining moment came today when one of the students approached me as he was headed to lunch and told me how much he likes being in groups because it makes it easier for him to learn the material and he can ask for help from his elbow partner.  In just one semester from the next, this student has flourished and become a classroom leader and has even improved his grade from a C to a B.  Small groups are definitely effective in my class!