Focus Group
Introduction
I believe topic of Relations and functions is the most important concept for any level of algebra and advanced mathematics courses.
Functions are all around us, though students do not always realize this. For example, a functional relationship between quantities is at play when we are paying for gasoline by the gallon or fruit by the pound. We need functions for financial plans so we can calculate such things as accrued income and interest. Functions are important as well to interpretations of local and world demographics and population growth, which are critical for economic planning and development. Functions are even found in such familiar settings as baseball statistics and metric conversions.
I held focus group discussions with 7teachers and 5 students on Sept 26, 2014. The focus group was conducted as part of the Dream IT project to get feedback, suggestions, opinions and guidance about project to enhance the unit plan delivery thereby learning process.
Participants provided information in two ways: written responses and group discussion.
Focus Group Questions
STUDENTS
Focus Group Student Report
The discussion was designed to gather information from the students in regard to the following outcomes:
Participant Demographics:
5 participants took part in the focus group:
All students
Student Perspectives
Four of the 5 participants said they learn better when teacher brings in appropriate visual aid real life application of concepts being covered in class. Three said they learn better when teacher provides many examples before giving them assignment. Two students said they learn better in groups.
What are some of the things students said they liked about the lesson? What are some of the things they found challenging?
TEACHERS
Demographics
7 participants took part in the focus group:
This focus group was organized to help me improve unit plan on (Relations and functions) I designed and created.I met with math department during our common planning meeting and requested all participants to help me with their expert advice and guidance on improving learning process of students and enhancing my instructional strategies and methods. Tell more about what specifically they said to help you improve the lesson
Recommended Changes
It is clear from the responses and discussions that students and potential students are committed to getting an education. They want a more visual aid like interactive applications, Smart board lessons real life application of concepts and skills being covered.
Students told me they find it hard to communicate understanding of math concepts orally or written.
Based on student responses and suggestions I have made changes in my DREAMIT project on “Relations and Functions”.
Changes made:
• Added more visual application to help students visualize concepts and skills.
• Added more rigors to math literacy which will encourage students to communicate understanding of concepts in their own l words and use math vocabulary words using pictures, examples and non-examples.
• All word problems will be based on real life application of concept of relations and functions which is the cornerstone of algebra and higher mathematics.
I believe topic of Relations and functions is the most important concept for any level of algebra and advanced mathematics courses.
Functions are all around us, though students do not always realize this. For example, a functional relationship between quantities is at play when we are paying for gasoline by the gallon or fruit by the pound. We need functions for financial plans so we can calculate such things as accrued income and interest. Functions are important as well to interpretations of local and world demographics and population growth, which are critical for economic planning and development. Functions are even found in such familiar settings as baseball statistics and metric conversions.
I held focus group discussions with 7teachers and 5 students on Sept 26, 2014. The focus group was conducted as part of the Dream IT project to get feedback, suggestions, opinions and guidance about project to enhance the unit plan delivery thereby learning process.
Participants provided information in two ways: written responses and group discussion.
Focus Group Questions
- Is unit plan aligned with common core standards?
- Do you think unit plan has proper sequencing of concepts?
- What do you like about unit plan?
- Do you think lesson plan (assignments of activities) is engaging? If not please don’t feel hesitant to suggest some new ideas (I won’t feel offended rather I will feel empowered I learned something)
- Do you think unit plan anticipated student thinking?
- What did you like about lesson demo?
- Do you think appropriate technology was used to enhance student learning process and make math concepts interactive and interesting?
- Can you suggest useful online resources or applications to teach math concepts?
- What would you include to make this unit plan different or better one?
- Do you have any suggestions to improve my instructional methods?(please share )
STUDENTS
Focus Group Student Report
The discussion was designed to gather information from the students in regard to the following outcomes:
- To understand what motivates students to pursue LEARN math concepts
- To understand how students perceive the lesson effectiveness in meeting their needs
- To understand what impact responsibilities outside of school have on a student’s potential for academic success
- To understand the importance of various instructional methods (multi-modal) in helping students learn concepts and skills.
- To understand students’ what helps them best to understand (math literacy, videos, flipped classroom, group, math games like jeopardy etc.) and enhance their academic experience.
Participant Demographics:
5 participants took part in the focus group:
All students
- Boys
- Between 15-16 years old.
- Identified themselves as Hispanics and have IEPS:
- Relationship with math:
- Sophomores
- From low income families..
- Earned their credits in freshmen year and successfully completed their classes.
- Have reading level ranging from 4-7 grade and math level from 3-6 grade.
Student Perspectives
Four of the 5 participants said they learn better when teacher brings in appropriate visual aid real life application of concepts being covered in class. Three said they learn better when teacher provides many examples before giving them assignment. Two students said they learn better in groups.
What are some of the things students said they liked about the lesson? What are some of the things they found challenging?
TEACHERS
Demographics
7 participants took part in the focus group:
- Five participant were math teachers and two were math tutors from ‘CITY YEAR’
- Average teaching experience of math teachers was 20 years.
- Four of the five participant Math teacher claimed they don’t use any technology in math classes except graphing calculator and overhead projector.
- Four of the five l Math teachers have just started using Smart Board in their classes.
This focus group was organized to help me improve unit plan on (Relations and functions) I designed and created.I met with math department during our common planning meeting and requested all participants to help me with their expert advice and guidance on improving learning process of students and enhancing my instructional strategies and methods. Tell more about what specifically they said to help you improve the lesson
Recommended Changes
It is clear from the responses and discussions that students and potential students are committed to getting an education. They want a more visual aid like interactive applications, Smart board lessons real life application of concepts and skills being covered.
Students told me they find it hard to communicate understanding of math concepts orally or written.
Based on student responses and suggestions I have made changes in my DREAMIT project on “Relations and Functions”.
Changes made:
• Added more visual application to help students visualize concepts and skills.
• Added more rigors to math literacy which will encourage students to communicate understanding of concepts in their own l words and use math vocabulary words using pictures, examples and non-examples.
• All word problems will be based on real life application of concept of relations and functions which is the cornerstone of algebra and higher mathematics.