PRO 201

Fall 2004

The First Study Group

 

            Most likely, you will have your first meeting with your study group during the week of September 20; however, there may be a further delay.  Your study group might meet one or two times without you.  I will contact you in person or via email to confirm your instructor and study group time (please let me know if you’re having a problem with email; then I’ll call). 

            When you get your study group assignment, please contact your course instructor immediately (see the syllabus for contact info).  If possible, it’s best for you to visit the course before your study group meets, so you can meet the students in your group and arrange logistics.  Otherwise, find out from the instructor where the students have decided to meet.  Good places to meet are the resource center (check hours  best place, they have computers and manipulatives), the study lounge in the Learning Center (ACW 305), the basement of the library, an empty classroom (at some times, e.g. Friday afternoons, ACW 205 will probably be open), or a dorm lounge.  Let me know if you’re having trouble choosing a meeting space.

            Start your first group with introductions.  Ask students why they chose to take this math class now (all students had some choice in the matter), ask about their goals for the course, attitudes toward math, their goals in coming to Wheelock, etc.  Share some of this information about yourself.  Spend some time connecting; it’s OK to go off topic in the first group.  Almost everyone in the courses this semester is new to Wheelock.  Besides being a TA, you are someone who can help the students connect to Wheelock  so feel free to help the students out w/questions about Wheelock, Boston, etc. 

            Then talk to the students about how they’d like the group to run; what should its norms be?  Some suggestions: listen respectfully, include everyone, give people time to think when they need it, etc.  However, it’s best if the group comes up with the list themselves, and it’s OK to return to this topic later.  Have everyone write down whatever you come up with in your notebooks.

            Now get going on the math.  For yourself, focus especially on trying to understand the students’ mathematical thinking.  Take some notes.  For the students, focus on encouraging and supporting them, and helping them work together.  Ask questions like the ones on the “TA Guidelines Handout.”

 

            Post a reflection after your group (if you lead more than one group before the next seminar, post a reflection for each).  Include a summary of what happened, then answer the following questions for both the group dynamics and for the mathematical content: 1) What did you find most interesting or surprising or exciting?  Why?  2) What did you find most challenging or difficult?  Why? 

            Remember that your audience is your classmates in PRO 201.  Explain so they will know what you are talking about.  Read and comment on other’s reflections.

 

            Important: Do not use individual student names in your posted reflection.  If you have a concern about a student, communicate this concern privately with me or with the instructor of your section.

 

               Copyright 2005, Debra K. Borkovitz.  You may copy or edit this material for non-profit, educational use only.

 

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