Takeaways from Robert Berry’s Presentation At Osseo
Robert Berry, current president of NCTM, came to Osseo Area Schools in November to talk to elementary, middle school, and high school teachers about identity and agency. Below are my 5 takeaways from his presentation.
1. Start with a task in which all students can enter into and expand upon. Mr. Berry showed us an iPhone screen and we noticed and wondered. Everyone was able to enter into the conversation and then were ready to begin the mathematics.
2. These situations position our students as competent doers of mathematics. Having students notice and wonder gets them not only interested in the subject matter but also allows them to see the math they do at home is valuable.
3. Students have the responsibility to justify their thinking. Justifying what makes sense to you allows each student to be heard and for others to hear and see the value in that diverse perspective.
4. Participation is risktaking. Talking about strategies is working through a problem in a “Rough Draft” way. This will reduce the threat of being right or wrong and shows the value of mistakes along the way.
5. Teachers are identity builders. Are we seeing each student for who they are? Do we see the competency they bring to classrooms? Are we providing windows and mirrors in classrooms or are they being othered?
If you’d like to read more about Positioning Students as Mathematically Competent, read this President Message by Mr. Berry.
Christine Torres Grade 3 Classroom Teacher