Post 4

 This past week, my class started to learn how to add and subtract mixed numbers with common denominators. We spent tons of time showing them the steps needed to take and went over how to borrow whole numbers when subtracting. The students did really well on all their assignments, class worksheets, and homework with this unit. My cooperating teacher and I felt that they were ready to take their exam so they took it Friday. Much to our surprise, many of the students failed! Looking back at their work, we found that so many of them made careless mistakes in their math and didn't read directions or word problems carefully. We decided to let a few of them retake the test with guided help from myself. I gave them a refresher lesson on adding and subtracting mixed numbers, borrowing whole numbers, and even converting mixed numbers and improper fractions. Even with guidance, it still was a struggle for some of the students. How could they do so well in class and on their homework but so poorly on the test? Had we not done enough practice with them? Had we not taught them well enough? I think times like these are good times to reflect on what may be missing in your lessons to boost certain students who may be struggling. Maybe adding more visuals would help? Or allowing them to listen to directions and word problems read to them aloud? Some students I've noticed can't be bothered paying attention during lessons or copying down the work so how do we get those students more engaged? 

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