Discussion-Based+Learning

**Department Vision or Purpose:** For the Math Department, discussion-based learning means providing the students with an opportunity to fully engage in their learning of mathematics. It is rare that you observe a math class where the teacher is doing all the talking.The teacher is most likely the one to start the discussion of a problem or a concept, but students will contribute to the lesson by asking and answering question, sharing their solutions to a problem, or inquiring about other approaches that can be used to solve the problem.Most math teachers have the students present their solutions to problems either presented in class or given for homework to the class.The teacher may have the student come to the board and work the problems out or have the student create a more formal presentation of a concept.The later happens when teachers want students to review for a major test (e.g. midterm or final exams). Another strategy that many math teachers use is having the students work in groups of two or three.During these small group activities, the students discuss the problems the teacher has presented. After the students have worked together for a while (20 minutes), the teacher will have the students come together as a class and have the students share what they have learned or observed in the process of solving the problems.We have found that by allowing students to discuss the mathematics in smaller groups, it gives those students who do not feel comfortable speaking in front of an entire class, the opportunity to participate in a discussion.It also helps to make the large group discussion more efficient.We will continue to work on developing activities and encourage students to participate in their learning, to deepen their understanding of mathematics, and to communicate mathematics with confidence.
 * Mathematics Department **
 * SIP Goal:Discussion-Based Learning **


 * Implementation:**


 * Algebra I
 * Discussed and discovered the quadratic formula by completing the square.
 * Discussed the most efficient method for solving quadratic equations.


 * Geometry
 * Logic Sherlock Holmes "Silver Blaze" discussion.


 * Geometry Honors
 * Discussion and discovery of polygon theorems & altitude on hypotenuse theorems
 * SSA discussion and discovery using Geometer's sketchpad.


 * Pre-Calculus
 * Discussed modeling natural phenomena sinusoidally.


 * Pre-Calculus Honors
 * Finance Project – included a group discussion on the finance strategies offered by David Bach, __The Automatic Millionaire__, and Robert Kiyosaki, __Rich Dad, Poor Dad__
 * Created review lessons for the midterm exam


 * Advanced Pre-Calculus
 * Discussed parametric modeling of various application problems.


 * Differential Calculus
 * Discussion and exploration of the derivatives of toolkit functions.


 * A.P.Calculus 1
 * Students present their power points or papers on the Essential Questions in class.


 * AP Calculus II
 * Discussed modeling physical systems using differential equations.
 * Discussed solving differential equations using taylor series.


 * AP Statistics
 * Discussion of M&M companie's claim of distribution of colors.
 * Discussion of investigative tasks.