BTC - Taking Notes (Ch. 11)

So....
I went out of the order of suggested implementation.

But, in my defense,

It was perfect timing,

And I would rather the students try the new approach for the first time,

Than get sucked in the routine of live/dead notes.

So we divided their first page in their notebook in half.

One half for Adding Integers and the other half for Subtracting Integers.

We reviewed the learning activities we had completed last week,

And I gave examples about what could all be included...

examples,

pictures,

shortcuts,

descriptions.

Some students got busy right away.

Many had no idea.

Proof that this is a needed activity to continue individual thinking.

After giving them time to think and write,

I walked the room to see what had materialized on their papers.

Few had examples,

Some had pictures of the algebra tiles.

Many.....were totally blank.

Because this was the first time of individually created notes for our future forgetful selves,

I used an example from one of the students.

They had drawn the Algebra tile mat complete with positive and negative tiles.

I drew it up on the board.

I had the students determine was the original problem was that was illustrated with the tiles.

We added that to our notes.

We then added another picture complete with arrows to show the flipping of the tiles.

At this point, usually a student would remember how that connected to the shortcut "add the opposite".

So we then added that to our notes with a numerical example. 

What was surprising is even with this whole group conversation,

Many students still did not write anything down!

In two weeks, students will have the opportunity to use these notes.

They will be able to choose from retaking a short quiz,

Or using them as they practice on more problems. 

We will then follow with a discussion of what they wished they had included for their 

"future forgetful selves".

Aaahhh....the learning process.

So much here at the beginning of the year! 

UPDATE:

So I've noticed this now in two classes.

Not with every student, but with a few.

Students with a little extra time asked if they could update their notes 

from today's lesson on Algebraic Representations.

One student wanted to copy what was on the white board for their notes.  

This is exciting!  

Now the question...how to get everyone on board?