How might implementing components of Guided Math and Math Workshop impact achievement of my third grade students during math block?

Allison Tacheny


Seminar Title


How might implementing components of Guided Math and Math Workshop impact achievement of my third grade students during math block?


Concept/Strategy

Focus of the Research


Math Block Options -- Guided Math and Math Workshop, Flipped Learning, Math Daily 3, Whole Group vs. Small Group


Grade Level

Research Was Applied


3rd Grade


Relevant Grade Level

Connections


Elementary


Discipline

Where Research Was Applied


Mathematics


Additional Discipline Areas

I see Application to


Mathematics


Invitation/Commercial


Math... Why is it so boring in my room? I was asking myself this question way too often in my third grade classroom and needed to make a change. After researching numerous ways to cultivate engagement and increase achievement, I decided to move forward with pieces of Guided Math and Math Workshop into my classroom this year, and it was the best change I could have made. If you are an elementary teacher who is feeling like your math block is not exciting nor meeting the needs of your students, I hope to see you at my session!


Abstract


This paper explores multiple published articles and books that report on research completed about the most effective approaches to teaching young elementary students math while promoting both engagement and motivation to increase academic achievement. Much of the research highlights Laney Sammons book Guided Math: A Framework for Mathematics Instruction which details how to use Guided Math and Math Workshop within the classroom. Throughout my research, I have read and studied articles and books on engagement and motivation, differentiation, whole group and small group learning, instructional styles, and approaches in the structure of an elementary math block. Finalizing my research, the question I moved forward with was as followed: How might implementing components of Guided Math and Math Workshop impact achievement of my third grade students during math block? Beginning the year, I recreated my math structure using components of Guided Math and Math Workshop in my classroom starting each lesson with a whole group mini lesson and moving into workshop time from there. During this time, I worked with students individually and in small groups, while the rest of the class worked independently on engaging activities challenging them at their own academic level in three areas: Math Facts, At Your Seat, and Hands On. The implementation of Guided Math and Math Workshop into my classroom has been successful thus far as students have shown significant academic growth in math which I have documented through pre and post assessment scores. Through brief lessons as a whole group, to working on specific needs with students individually, as well as allowing students to be challenged on their own during workshop, achievement of my third grade students has occurred.