Guided Math: A Framework for Mathematics Instruction

Posted: 29 May 2014 12:00 AM PDT

I am incredibly excited to be joining The Primary Gal's Guided Math book study. Guided math has helped my students grow tremendously because it allows me to better individualize their math instruction. However, with that being said, I know I have so many things to learn and tweak to make my guided instruction stronger. I purchased Guided Math: A Framework for Mathematics Instruction by Laney Sammons book last summer and dabbled with it this year as I taught. I read pieces, took notes, and tried to apply it to my math instruction as much as I was able to.

This summer I am excited to reread it after implementing a guided math routine in my classroom because I know I will learn so many new tricks and tips. I can't wait to fully implement my new ideas from this book study into my instruction next year.

If you are new to guided math or have tried bits and pieces of it in your classroom please check back here weekly for more strategies and ideas to implement into your guided math routine.

Whole-Class Instruction-Mini-Lesson: Each day my students start off with a mini lesson or a math talk. I have been able to get this down to an actual "mini-lesson" about 10-15 minutes long (which took some practice for me!)

Guided Math Instruction with Small Groups of Students & Math Workshop Model: The small group structures are present in my classroom. Students are working independently or with their classmates when they are not in a guided math group with me. I feel as though the structure I have set up has allowed me to differentiate easily for students and also holds them accountable when they are not working directly with me.

An Ongoing System of Assessment: This is something I really hope to get a better handle on for next year. I know that students level can vary depending on the concept so groups need to be very flexible. It is important I find a balanced system of assessment that gives me a more complete look at what students know and understand on a day to day basis.

A Classroom Environment of Numeracy: I need to strengthen this and help students to see the importance of numbers and problem solving as well as how it affects their everyday lives. I would like to help make math more meaningful for students with each activity.

Individual Conferences: Although my structure allows for one-on-one conferring I really haven't taken advantage of this. This year I spent my time meeting with small groups daily but I can certainly see advantages to also taking some time to working with students individually as well.

Morning Math Warm-Ups: This is something I can certainly strengthen. I have pieces in place with my number of the day chart but could make this stronger with more activities for students to do upon arriving for the day.

There you have it-lots for me to work on and strengthen. That is certainly one thing I love about summer is I have the time to reflect and really figure out how to improve my math instruction for next school year.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Top 7 Real Estate Study Tips - Becoming a real estate agent

Posted: 12 May 2014 09:45 PM PDT

Studying for your real estate exam can be an exhausting and exciting ordeal. After you have passed all of your prerequisite material and are finally studying for your exam, you will realize that there is a lot of material that can be included. This leaves you with an immense amount of subject matter to absorb before exam day.

While it is never certain what will be on your exam, there are a few common real estate exam prep guidelines that passing students have followed. Before drinking 10 cups of coffee and cramming all night for your exam, follow these real estate study tips to narrow down the most important material covered.

1. Study Big Concepts

There is a national portion included in every exam. There are over 100 questions that may be asked during this time and each state will have their own set number of questions asked. By ensuring you cover the big concepts, you will boost your chances of passing the exam the first time. These concepts will include:

Property
Finance
Management
Calculations
Marketing regulations

These are the big 5 and they will encompass the vast majority of the national part of your exam. Concentrate on these areas first.

2. Read over the Question

One of the most important and basic real estate exam prep tips is to read over the question multiple times before answering. Oftentimes, wording can cause confusion and lead to a wrong answer being given.

Before marking a final answer, ensure that you fully understand the question. If you do not have an adequate answer, move on to the next question and come back later. This will allow you time to try and determine what the appropriate answer to the question is.

3. Know Your Vocabulary

Real estate jargon or vocabulary is very important. You will not have time to go over basic vocabulary during your exam, so ensure that you have all of the basic vocabulary down before test time. This will include terms such as chain of title, escrow, examination of title and dozens of other phrases that pertain to the real estate industry. The Dictionary of Real Estate Terms is a great resource for learning all of the necessary terms before your exam.

4. Use the Process of Elimination

Perhaps the most basic real estate study tip is to use the process of elimination. If you do not know an answer, eliminate all of the answers that you know are not correct. This will raise the chances of you guessing the right answer. This should only be done on questions you truly do not know.

5. Take Exam Prep Courses

There are exam prep courses online or at local schools. These courses are often paid and will be a great way to practice for the exam.

Included in these courses will be all of the topics needed to pass your state exam as well as all of the extra material that you might not consider studying. The best part is that these prep courses are backed by years of experience and professors that are responsible for others passing the test. If you choose a reputable prep course, you will increase your odds of passing greatly.

6. Schedule Your Exam Quickly

It doesn't make sense to take all of your required courses and wait to take your exam. By waiting, you will likely forget some of the most pertinent information included. Instead, you will want to schedule the exam as quickly as possible after your classes are complete. This will ensure that all of the information is still fresh in your mind and will result in less overall studying.

7. Double Check Your Math

One of the biggest errs a person can make is to assume that his or her math is right the first time. Questions are presented that contain answers that are purposely there to confuse you. Instead, ensure that any math that is given or that you have done yourself is correct. Most people that fail the state exam make errors on the easiest of math problems.

Conclusion

Real estate exam preparation should not be taken lightly. You must allot enough time to study the material and try to focus on the most important material first. By allowing yourself at least 5 weeks of studying, you will greatly increase your chances of passing your licensing exam.

Pages

Tips Study Mathematics Blog

Thursday, 29 May 2014